Drone Strikes Devastate Aid Convoy in Kordofan's Ongoing Conflict

An aid convoy en route to central Sudan's Kordofan region was struck by drone attacks on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to four aid workers. The Sudan Doctors Network reported that the convoy, carrying essential food and supplies, was bound for the city of Kadugli and the town of Dilling when it was hit in the Kartala area by drones allegedly from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

This incident is part of a larger conflict that commenced in April 2023 between the RSF and the Sudanese military, claiming at least 40,000 lives and displacing 12 million, according to WHO estimates. Aid groups fear the death toll is significantly understated due to inaccessible regions. Intensified drone attacks in Kordofan are impeding humanitarian efforts despite the military's claims of regaining control in the area.

A UN convoy successfully delivered aid to over 130,000 people in Dilling and Kadugli, marking the most significant delivery in months. However, similar attacks on convoys persist, including a recent strike on a World Food Program vehicle. A UN-backed report has accused the RSF of crimes in North Darfur, leading to US sanctions against RSF commanders.