Key facts
- Sudanese paramilitary forces conducted drone strikes in el-Obeid, killing at least 15 people.
- Dozens were wounded in the attacks, with some injuries critical.
- The strikes hit a funeral gathering, a gas station, and homes near military headquarters.
- Drone warfare has become a significant threat to civilians in the ongoing conflict.
- The war, which began in April 2023, has resulted in widespread displacement and famine.
Sudanese paramilitary forces carried out drone strikes in the central city of el-Obeid, killing at least 15 people and wounding dozens, health officials reported on Thursday. The attacks, which began late Wednesday, targeted various areas, including a funeral gathering at a cemetery and a gas station, according to officials at el-Obed Hospital.
Dr. Mohamed Elsheikh, a spokesperson for the Sudan Doctors Network, confirmed the casualties and noted that RSF drones also hit a gas station and a funeral. He could not immediately confirm if the casualties were civilians or combatants. An aid worker with Mercy Corps stated that drone attacks have intensified in el-Obeid recently, disrupting daily life, with schools suspending classes and markets operating partially.
Emergency Lawyers, a local monitoring group, expressed concern over the indiscriminate nature of the attacks, suggesting the toll could rise as drones were still active over the city. The group noted that homes near military headquarters and a food supply truck were also hit. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the army and the RSF, has resulted in at least 59,000 deaths, displaced 13 million people, and pushed many areas toward famine, with over 30 million people requiring humanitarian aid.