Sudanese state media says about 10 drones struck the North Kordofan capital Friday morning, hitting residential areas; government calls for urgent UN and African Union action
KHARTOUM, Sudan — Sudan’s government accused the Rapid Support Forces on Friday of launching a drone attack on El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, after around ten drones targeted the city and several struck residential areas, Sudanese state media reported, citing military sources.
At least six civilians were injured in the strikes, which took place Friday morning, according to the reports. The state media account did not specify the full extent of the damage or whether there were additional casualties.
The Sudanese government condemned the attack as a violation of international humanitarian law and urged the United Nations Security Council and the African Union to take urgent action to protect civilians and halt arms supplies to armed groups implicated in such violations.
El-Obeid, a major city in central Sudan, has been a strategic flashpoint in the conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF. The reported drone attack underscores the growing danger to civilians in urban areas as the war continues.
There was no immediate comment from the RSF. The USA New Times could not independently verify the casualty figures or the number of drones involved. Claims from both sides in the conflict have often been difficult to confirm because of limited access and communications disruptions.
The government’s appeal to the UN Security Council and the African Union reflects mounting concerns over civilian protection and external arms flows into the conflict. Sudanese authorities have repeatedly warned that weapons reaching armed groups are fueling violence and undermining efforts to end the fighting.
The war between the army and the RSF, which began in April 2023, has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions and pushed parts of the country toward famine. Drone strikes have become an increasingly prominent feature of the conflict, with both military and paramilitary forces deploying them in different regions.
The reported attack on El-Obeid is likely to intensify international pressure for a ceasefire and for measures to protect civilians. It also raises questions about the ability of diplomatic bodies to respond quickly to attacks on populated areas.
The Sudanese government called the strikes a violation of international humanitarian law and said urgent action was needed to prevent further attacks. It did not say what specific measures it wanted the UN Security Council or African Union to adopt.
As of Friday, there was no independent confirmation of the attack’s full impact. Residents and local authorities in North Kordofan were not immediately available for comment.
