Growing alarm over El-Obeid as drone attacks intensify in Sudan’s civil war
Fears are mounting for civilians in the Sudanese city of el-Obeid as a wave of drone attacks, mounting casualties and warnings from rights groups raise concerns that the conflict could spiral into another humanitarian catastrophe.
Located in North Kordofan State, el-Obeid has become a key battleground in Sudan’s ongoing civil war, with the city increasingly coming under attack despite remaining under army control. Rights monitors recorded 27 drone strikes in June alone, making it the deadliest month of aerial attacks on the city since the war began.
The escalating violence has left residents living in constant fear. Sarah, a university student injured during a strike on a fuel station, said ordinary activities have become life-threatening.
“People now leave their homes saying goodbye to their families because they don’t know if they will return or not,” she said.
According to the UN, at least 45 people were killed and 41 injured in a series of drone attacks carried out between June 6 and June 28. The city, home to roughly half a million people and a major military base, has also endured months of isolation and insecurity as fighting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues.
Medical workers say hospitals are struggling to cope with the growing number of casualties arriving after attacks. One doctor described treating victims with severe head and limb injuries, including a seven-month-old baby whose hand was amputated before she later died from her wounds.
“The situation is frightening. You leave your house as if you will never return,” the doctor said. “We are really suffering from the drones – no-one knows how and when they will die.”
Analysts say control of el-Obeid carries major strategic importance because the city links territories held by the army with key routes leading towards Khartoum and Omdurman. Its location has made it a critical target in the broader struggle for territorial control.
Human rights organisations have warned that civilians could face even greater danger if the fighting escalates further. Comparisons have already been drawn with the violence that engulfed el-Fasher, where thousands were reportedly killed during intense clashes.
The RSF has rejected suggestions that it is planning a large-scale assault on the city, insisting it remains committed to protecting civilians and complying with international law.
Meanwhile, repeated strikes on fuel infrastructure have triggered shortages and soaring prices, while attacks on power facilities threaten access to water and other essential services. Aid workers warn that deteriorating conditions could force more residents and displaced families to flee.
For many in el-Obeid, daily life is now defined by uncertainty, with the sound of drones overhead serving as a constant reminder of a war that shows little sign of ending.
Source: BBC
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