Khartoum: Drone strikes have hit the central Sudanese city of al Obied and other populated areas as the conflict in Sudan continues to worsen. Residents say the attacks have damaged homes and public services and have killed and injured civilians.
The fighting began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. In recent months the use of drones has increased, bringing the conflict closer to major towns and cities far from the front lines.
People in al Obied report frequent drone strikes on residential neighbourhoods and during public gatherings. Some strikes have hit funerals and private homes. Power plants and electrical lines in several cities including Khartoum and Port Sudan have also been damaged leaving many without electricity.
United Nations officials have expressed deep concern about the impact of these attacks on civilians. The UN rights office says attacks on markets schools and hospitals could amount to serious violations of international law.
In December more than 100 civilians including children were reported killed by drone attacks in the Kordofan region according to UN figures. The strikes have also forced thousands of people to leave their homes as towns struggle with shortages of food water and medical care.
The conflict has also claimed the lives of peacekeepers. In South Kordofan a drone blast killed six United Nations peacekeepers who were deployed to help keep peace in the disputed Abyei area.
Analysts say the war shows no sign of stopping soon. Forces from the Rapid Support Forces have expanded their reach in western and central parts of the country putting more pressure on government troops. Humanitarian groups warn that continued fighting and damage to basic services are making life harder for millions of civilians.
International calls for a ceasefire and urgent aid for civilians have increased but leaders in Sudan have not yet agreed to stop the fighting.