At least three people were killed and nine wounded after an RSF drone struck a square near a police station in el-Obeid, military sources say. The incident highlights the RSF’s growing use of air power as fighting shifts into oil-rich Kordofan. Separate clashes were reported in Um Adara, Um Rawaba and Kosti, compounding widespread displacement. The UN World Food Programme has warned it may cut rations by up to 70% from January amid critical funding shortfalls, with 20 million malnourished and six million facing famine-like conditions.
RSF Drone Strike Kills At Least Three in El-Obeid as Fighting Escalates Across Kordofan
Fierce clashes have erupted across Kordofan as the RSF shifts its offensive to the strategic region [Hussein Malla/AP]
At least three people were killed and nine others wounded when the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) carried out a drone strike on a busy square near a police station in the Tayba neighbourhood of el-Obeid on Saturday afternoon, military sources told Al Jazeera. Several of the wounded are reported to be in critical condition.
Strike Underscores Growing Use of Air Power
The attack highlights the RSF’s expanding reliance on drones and other air assets as its offensive shifts from Darfur into the strategic Kordofan region, home to critical oil infrastructure that supplies revenue to both Sudan and neighbouring South Sudan.
Other Clashes Reported
Military sources said the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) struck RSF positions in Um Adara, South Kordofan, earlier the same day. RSF units reportedly shelled Um Rawaba in North Kordofan, causing civilian casualties. In White Nile state, an RSF drone targeted army positions in Kosti, destroying a military vehicle and wounding its crew.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The three Kordofan states have seen fierce clashes in recent weeks, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes and worsening an already catastrophic humanitarian emergency. International aid agencies describe the situation as one of the world’s worst crises, with mass displacement, disrupted markets and strained medical services.
World Food Programme Warning: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned it may cut rations by up to 70% for communities facing starvation starting in January due to critical funding shortfalls. Ross Smith, the WFP’s emergency preparedness director, said cuts would hit those already “on the brink of famine” and vulnerable communities at risk of sliding into hunger.
The WFP estimates around 20 million Sudanese are suffering from malnutrition, with roughly six million facing famine-like conditions. International organisations say the war between SAF and the RSF has killed tens of thousands and displaced nearly 13 million people since fighting erupted in April 2023. The WFP has warned funding could effectively collapse by April, threatening its ability to continue operations.
What This Means: The expanding use of drones and the shift of frontline operations into oil-rich Kordofan risk prolonging the conflict and amplifying harm to civilians and vital infrastructure, even as international aid agencies struggle to keep basic food and relief supplies flowing.
