Sudanese paramilitary drone strikes kill at least 15 people in central region, officials say

[TITLE>Sudanese Paramilitary Drone Strikes Kill 15 in Central Sudan as Conflict Intensifies]

CAIRO — Sudanese paramilitary forces launched drone strikes overnight in central Sudan, killing at least 15 people and wounding dozens of others, health officials said Thursday. The attacks occurred amid an ongoing conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that has now entered its fourth year.

The drone attacks began late Wednesday and targeted multiple areas of el-Obeid, including near an army position, according to two health officials from el-Obeid Hospital. More than 10 people sustain injuries, some critical, the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity since they were not authorized to speak publicly.

According to Dr. Mohamed Elsheikh, a spokesperson with Sudan Doctors Network, RSF drones also struck a funeral gathering at a cemetery and a gas station in el-Obeid, killing four people. He could not immediately verify whether the casualties were civilians, combatants, or both.

An aid worker with Mercy Corps reported that drone attacks have increased across el-Obeid in recent days, targeting gatherings of people. The source, who spoke anonymously due to fears of retaliation, stated that schools have suspended classes and markets are operating with reduced activity because of the attacks.

Emergency Lawyers, a local monitoring group, indicated that the casualty toll is expected to rise as drones continued flying over the city. The group documented strikes on homes near the 5th Infantry Division military headquarters and a truck carrying food supplies, whose driver was killed.

The monitoring group condemned the attacks as part of a “widespread pattern of targeting civilian gatherings, neighborhoods and infrastructure, including during rescue operations and funerals.”

The conflict, which began in April 2023 following tensions between the army and RSF, has resulted in at least 59,000 deaths, displaced approximately 13 million people, and pushed many regions toward famine. Over 30 million individuals require humanitarian assistance.

The Sudanese military maintains control over northern, eastern, and central regions including key Red Sea ports, oil refineries, and pipelines. Meanwhile, the RSF and allied forces control Darfur and parts of Kordofan near the South Sudan border, areas known for oil fields and gold mines.

Human rights experts have reported that drone warfare has become the deadliest threat to civilians in Sudan, with both military factions receiving support from regional and international suppliers. A recent surge in drone attacks in Kordofan has also disrupted humanitarian aid operations, according to aid workers.

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