Sudan faces mounting civilian casualties as the UN condemns deadly drone strikes targeting markets, residential areas and critical infrastructure. (Images: X)
Washington DC: The United Nations has strongly condemned a series of drone attacks across Sudan that have reportedly killed civilians and damaged essential infrastructure, warning that communities already devastated by years of conflict are facing further suffering. UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday that the organisation was particularly alarmed by reports of dozens of civilian deaths in a drone strike targeting a market in Al Dibab, West Kordofan State, on Sunday.
Drone Attacks Hit Homes, Markets and Power Facilities
The reported violence has affected several parts of Sudan. In Khartoum, a drone strike on a residential area allegedly killed a father and his three children, aged between two and six, on Monday.
Another reported strike hit a residential house in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, causing civilian casualties and damaging nearby homes. In White Nile State, drones reportedly damaged the main power station in Tendalti on Tuesday, raising concerns about the impact on essential services.
The UN also condemned reported drone attacks in the Abyei region along the Sudan-South Sudan border. At least 28 civilians were reportedly killed at Amiet Market and Todach on Monday, while many others were injured or remained unaccounted for.
UN Calls for Civilian Protection
Dujarric reiterated that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected under international humanitarian law. He urged all parties involved in the conflict to take precautions to prevent harm to civilians and civilian objects during military operations.
Geneva Meeting Seeks Path Towards Peace
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General's Personal Envoy Pekka Haavisto is attending a consultative meeting in Geneva focused on improving coordination among peace initiatives seeking to end Sudan's civil war.
Neither the Sudanese government nor the Rapid Support Forces is participating, as the meeting's framework is intended to coordinate the efforts of mediators.
With the conflict extending beyond three years, the UN continues to stress the urgent need to protect civilians and advance efforts towards peace.
