A drone attack by Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has killed at least 24 individuals, including eight children, as they fled ongoing violence in central Sudan. The incident occurred near Er Rahad in North Kordofan province, according to the Sudan Doctors Network, which monitors the humanitarian situation in the region. The attack highlights the escalating conflict and the dire humanitarian conditions faced by displaced populations.

Attack Details
The RSF targeted a vehicle transporting displaced families escaping violence from the Dubeiker area. Among the deceased were two infants, and several others sustained injuries and were taken to local medical facilities in Er Rahad. The region is experiencing severe shortages of medical supplies, complicating efforts to treat the wounded. The Sudan Doctors Network has called for immediate international intervention to protect civilians and hold the RSF accountable for their actions.

Context of Conflict
Sudan has been embroiled in chaos since April 2023, following a power struggle between the military and the RSF that escalated into widespread fighting. The conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions of displacements across the country. The RSF has been engaged in a battle against the Sudanese military for control, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Recent Attacks on Humanitarian Efforts
In a related incident, a drone strike on a World Food Programme (WFP) aid convoy in North Kordofan killed one individual and injured several others. The convoy was en route to deliver essential food assistance to displaced individuals in El Obeid when it was struck, resulting in the destruction of the aid trucks and their cargo. Denise Brown, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, condemned the attack, stating that such violence undermines efforts to assist those facing hunger and displacement.

International Reactions
The RSF has not publicly commented on the recent attacks. However, international figures have condemned the violence. Massad Boulos, a US adviser for African and Arab affairs, expressed outrage on social media, calling for accountability for the destruction of aid intended for vulnerable populations. British Minister for International Development and Africa, Jenny Chapman, also criticized the RSF's actions, emphasizing that humanitarian operations should never be targeted in conflict situations.

Wrap-up
The ongoing violence in Sudan continues to devastate civilian lives, with drone attacks on both displaced families and humanitarian convoys highlighting the urgent need for international attention and intervention. The humanitarian crisis is deepening, and calls for accountability against the RSF grow louder as the conflict persists.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team