At least 12 children have been killed in recent days in attacks in Sudan, where drone strikes continue to hit populated areas and crucial infrastructure, according to information reported by the UN on Tuesday.
On Saturday, October 17, nine children aged 5 to 10 died during an attack on a camp for displaced persons in West Kordofan. Two days later, a drone strike on a residential neighborhood in Khartoum killed three more children, aged 2 to 6, along with their father.
The deadliest attack reportedly took place on Monday, targeting the Amiet market in the oil-rich Abyei region – a territory disputed between Sudan and South Sudan.
According to local authorities, at least 153 people were killed, and a fuel depot caught fire. The death toll could rise further.
Other strikes also hit a market in Al-Dibab, in West Kordofan – where at least 80 people reportedly perished – as well as a home in Nyala, South Darfur. Additionally, on Tuesday, a drone attack damaged the main power plant in Tendalti, in White Nile State.
In light of this escalation, the UN has expressed concern over the relentless drone attacks and the damage inflicted on essential infrastructure.
The organisation also highlighted the severity of the humanitarian crisis, with approximately 20 million people in Sudan suffering from acute food insecurity.
This intensification of bombardment comes as new diplomatic consultations are set to take place in Geneva, co-chaired by Pekka Haavisto, the personal envoy of the UN Secretary-General for Sudan.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a war between the regular army and the Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group.
This conflict has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, characterized by mass displacement, food insecurity, and an increase in attacks against civilians. Despite international diplomatic initiatives, hostilities continue in several regions of the country.
DM/ac/Sf/fss/as/APA