Sudan’s people subject to ‘relentless’ drone strikes in El Obeid
Sudan’s People Subject to ‘Relentless’ Drone Strikes in El Obeid
Sudan s people subject to relentless – Residents of Sudan are facing relentless drone attacks in the strategically significant town of El Obeid, as reported by the United Nations’ human rights chief, Volker Türk, during a recent address at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The escalating conflict has led to sustained aerial assaults by paramilitary groups, including the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), threatening civilian lives and infrastructure. Türk emphasized that the violence has intensified since the war began in 2023, with drone strikes becoming a hallmark of the ongoing assault on Sudan’s population.
The Escalation of Aerial Warfare
The relentless drone attacks in El Obeid have targeted critical areas, including markets, schools, fuel depots, and water systems, leaving communities in disarray. In a recent statement, Türk highlighted that these attacks have created a persistent threat, with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights documenting at least 45 civilian deaths in 15 strikes over three weeks. The use of autonomous weapons has raised concerns about the precision and impact of these strikes, particularly on vulnerable populations.
Mr. Türk called for immediate global intervention to address the humanitarian fallout, noting that the attacks have become routine. “The situation in El Obeid is a clear example of how the conflict has transformed into a relentless campaign against civilians,” he said, urging leaders to prioritize protection measures. The UN has warned that the violence is not only displacing families but also disrupting essential services, such as healthcare and education, which are vital for long-term recovery.
Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies in El Obeid and Surrounding Regions
El Obeid, home to over 500,000 people, has become a focal point of the relentless attacks, with residents increasingly forced to sell possessions to flee. The cost of transportation and the risk of vehicle attacks near escape routes have made evacuation nearly impossible for many. This has led to a surge in displacement, as families seek safety in neighboring regions. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported a significant increase in refugees from Kordofan, with nearly two-thirds of new arrivals documented in just three months.
Meanwhile, the UN has documented recurring patterns of summary executions, kidnappings, and sexual violence in areas like El Fasher in North Darfur. In October 2023, over 6,000 people were killed in a three-day wave of war crimes, according to the same office. These atrocities have underscored the severity of the conflict, with drone strikes and ground operations converging to create a crisis of unprecedented scale. The RSF’s control of most escape routes, leaving only the eastern route open, has further isolated the population and heightened fears of encirclement.
Speaking at the Urgent Debate, Mona Rishmawi, a member of the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, described the RSF’s military buildup and strategic preparations to enter El Obeid. “With power stations and water facilities under attack, hospitals, schools, and residential areas have also been hit, leaving civilians without essential services,” she said. This has compounded the challenges of survival, as access to clean water, electricity, and medical care has become increasingly limited.
As the conflict persists, the UN has urged the Security Council to take decisive action, advocating for restrictions on the use of the veto to ensure accountability. Türk praised the International Criminal Court’s ongoing efforts to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the atrocities, calling it a critical step toward justice. However, the scale of the relentless drone strikes and their impact on civilian life remain a pressing concern for humanitarian organizations and international observers alike.