A drone strike targeting a funeral procession at a cemetery in the Sudanese city of el-Obeid has reportedly killed at least four individuals and injured several others. Two prominent human rights organisations, Sudan Doctors Network and Emergency Lawyers, have attributed responsibility for the attack to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Emergency Lawyers stated that this incident is part of a series of drone strikes that commenced on Wednesday evening, which have collectively led to the deaths of at least 23 people. The RSF has not yet issued a public statement regarding these accusations. Beyond the cemetery attack, the group also reported that drones struck residential homes, the airport district, and areas surrounding an army base, resulting in 13 civilian fatalities as residents gathered near damaged structures. Five additional civilians were reported killed in earlier attacks, with one resident describing to AFP news agency the tragic scene of collapsed roofs and widespread destruction.
El-Obeid, currently under the control of the Sudanese army, holds significant strategic importance as a key battleground in the country's three-year civil war. The conflict erupted after a power struggle between the leaders of the army and the RSF over Sudan's future direction. The city, located in the oil-rich Kordofan region, serves as a crucial link between RSF-controlled western areas and the army's strongholds in the east. Analysts suggest that control over this region provides leverage over Sudan's oil supply and a substantial portion of the country.
The ongoing fighting has precipitated what the United Nations describes as the world's most severe humanitarian crisis. More than 11 million people have been forced from their homes, and an alarming 28 million individuals are currently facing acute hunger. While precise figures are difficult to ascertain, the death toll from the conflict is estimated to be at least 50,000. Both Emergency Lawyers and Sudan Doctors Network have consistently reported systematic and repeated attacks on civilians in el-Obeid over several days, including a separate incident where a lorry driver transporting food supplies was killed when his vehicle was struck on Thursday.
The UK Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Sudan due to the extremely volatile security situation. British nationals in Sudan are advised to leave if it is safe to do so, and to register their presence with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) if they choose to remain. The FCDO continues to monitor the situation closely, expressing deep concern over the escalating violence and its devastating impact on civilians.