As the situation continues to unfold, local rights group Emergency Lawyers blamed the attack on the RSF, which did not promptly claim responsibility. Drone strikes on the central Sudanese city of el-Obeid have killed up to 23 people, leaders and a rights entity have reported. Officials are expected to release further statements.

Highlights

A broader look at the circumstances reveals why this development is being watched so closely.

Both sources reported on Thursday that overnight attacks had killed several people across the key hub in the southern Kordofan region.

The reports concerned the latest in a series of attacks using unmanned aircraft, illustrating that drone warfare has become an increasingly prominent feature in the conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the military government and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces ( RSF).

As the story continues to develop, local rights group Emergency Lawyers said on social media that 23 people were killed and 19 others wounded.

Health officials at el-Obeid Hospital said that 15 were killed and more than 10 wounded in the attacks, which hit residential areas, a funeral gathering and a truck carrying food supplies, as well as areas near army positions.

Standout Performances

With opinions divided in some quarters, the overall assessment remains significant.

Emergency Lawyers blamed the attack on the RSF, which did not immediately claim responsibility.

Compounding the significance of these events, al Jazeera couldn ’ t independently verify the claim.

According to those with knowledge of the situation, this incident comes less than a week after a drone strike targeted the main market in Abu Zaeima, a paramilitary-controlled town in North Kordofan state, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens more.

Notably, the United Nations declared in May that at least 880 civilians had been killed in drone strikes nationwide between January and April.

Numbers

The story's impact will be felt at multiple levels — local, national, and beyond.

Fighting has intensified in recent months in the Kordofan region and Blue Nile state near the Ethiopian border, particularly after the RSF captured el-Fasher last October, the army ’ s last major stronghold in western Darfur.

Notably, kordofan remains a key battleground, linking RSF strongholds in Darfur to army-controlled areas in eastern Sudan, and continues to be fiercely contested.

Of particular significance is the fact that el-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, has been partially encircled for months by paramilitary forces.

Further developments have shed additional light on the matter. now entering its fourth year, the war has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced nearly 13 million others, creating what the UN describes as the world ’ s largest displacement and hunger crises.

Looking Ahead

The events outlined in this report highlight the complexity and significance of the broader issue at hand. Stakeholders, policymakers, and the public are expected to closely monitor what comes next.