The United Nations has warned that drone attacks on civilians in Sudan are increasing as fighting intensifies around the strategic city of El Obeid.
Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, urged world leaders to take immediate action to stop the conflict, warning that it is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and neighbouring countries.
Türk said his office documented 15 drone strikes on El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, and nearby communities within three weeks. The attacks reportedly killed at least 45 civilians and repeatedly struck markets, schools, fuel stations, water facilities and civilian vehicles.
He said many residents are trying to flee the city but are unable to do so because of high transport costs and continued attacks along evacuation routes. His office has also documented alleged summary executions, abductions, torture, sexual violence and looting affecting displaced civilians in the Kordofan region.
Türk recalled previous attacks in North Darfur, including the reported killing of about 6,000 people in El Fasher last October and the assault on the Zamzam displacement camp in April. He said repeated warnings from the UN failed to prevent the violence.
Calling the situation a “red alert,” the UN rights chief urged the UN Security Council and world leaders to act quickly to prevent further atrocities. He also welcomed the International Criminal Court’s ongoing efforts to investigate crimes committed during the conflict.
El Obeid is home to more than 500,000 residents and at least 100,000 displaced people. According to the latest reports, the Rapid Support Forces control nearly all major routes around the city except the eastern corridor, while residents continue to report growing insecurity and fear as drone attacks persist.
