United Nations: 21 Drone Attacks Killed Civilians in North Kordofan

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) said on Tuesday that it recorded 21 drone-related incidents in North Kordofan State, western Sudan, during July, resulting in civilian deaths.

Since the beginning of June, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have intensified drone attacks on the towns of Al-Rahad and El Obeid, targeting residential neighborhoods, schools, fuel stations, electricity facilities, and markets while simultaneously reinforcing their positions around El Obeid.

In a report on the situation in El Obeid, UNFPA stated that “the deteriorating security situation in North Kordofan is exposing civilians to increasing risks,” noting that 21 drone-related incidents were recorded across the state between 1 and 19 July.

The agency said one drone strike on a displacement site killed five people and injured 17 others, while another attack on a primary school in El Obeid killed one pupil and wounded five others.

UNFPA added that the impact of the drone attacks, damage to critical infrastructure, displacement, and the disruption of markets and essential services have made daily life increasingly difficult, particularly for female-headed households, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

The report also highlighted a sharp decline in residents’ purchasing power due to soaring prices of food and essential commodities. Access to safe drinking water has become extremely limited following drone attacks that damaged water supply infrastructure in Sheikan Locality.

According to UNFPA, the growing queues at water collection points are placing an even greater burden on women and girls, who are primarily responsible for collecting water, while contamination of water sources is increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.