As fighting escalates in Sudan’s Kordofan region, the humanitarian crisis deepens, showcasing the toll of ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This latest surge in violence highlights the urgent need for international attention and intervention to alleviate the suffering of millions affected by the ongoing war. The situation poses significant challenges not only for Sudan but also for the broader region, emphasizing the interconnectedness of local conflicts and global humanitarian responsibilities.
At least three individuals have been killed and nine others injured when the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a drone attack on el-Obeid, a central city in Sudan, amid intensifying clashes across Kordofan. The drone strike occurred near a police station in the Tayba neighborhood, leading military sources to report that several casualties are in critical condition. This incident marks a significant escalation in the RSF’s use of aerial assaults as it broadened its offensive from Darfur towards the strategically vital Kordofan region, which is rich in oil resources crucial for Sudan and neighboring South Sudan.
Regional military sources indicate that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) retaliated by striking RSF positions in Um Adara, South Kordofan, while RSF operatives shelled the northern city of Um Rawaba, resulting in civilian casualties. Furthermore, an RSF drone targeted military locations in Kosti City, located in southeastern Sudan’s White Nile state, destroying an army vehicle and injuring its crew.
The ongoing clashes in the three Kordofan states have driven tens of thousands from their homes, exacerbating one of the world’s direst humanitarian crises. According to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), there is a looming threat to food security, with plans to reduce food rations by up to 70% for those facing starvation starting in January due to pressing funding shortages. Ross Smith, WFP’s emergency preparedness director, cautioned that these cuts would devastate those already “on the brink of famine,” along with vulnerable communities at risk of further food insecurity.
Currently, an alarming 20 million Sudanese citizens are suffering from malnutrition, with approximately six million facing famine-like conditions. Funding for humanitarian efforts is projected to decline dramatically by April, casting doubt on the continuation of aid operations. Since the outbreak of conflict between the army and RSF in April 2023, tens of thousands have lost their lives, and nearly 13 million have been displaced, as reported by various international organizations. This escalating violence underscores the urgent need for a coordinated global response to support the people of Sudan in their time of need.
#WorldNews #MiddleEastNews