Khartoum: An airstrike in Sudan’s South Kordofan region has killed a World Food Programme driver and damaged food supplies, while a separate attack killed a child and injured 12 others, highlighting the growing dangers facing humanitarian workers and civilians amid the country’s continuing war.
The United Nations said the airstrike on the evening of October 5 targeted two trucks belonging to the World Food Programme. The trucks were clearly marked as carrying humanitarian assistance. The attack killed one driver and damaged the food supplies being transported to people in need.
In a separate incident, a child was killed and 12 other children were injured, including five boys and seven girls. The attacks came just one day after another WFP truck struck an explosive device after delivering food aid in Dilling.
The World Food Programme said the incidents reflect the increasingly difficult security conditions in Sudan and the risks faced by aid workers while delivering essential assistance. Despite these dangers, the organisation said it remains committed to reaching communities in need.
The latest violence comes as Sudan continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis. More than 30 million people were reported to need humanitarian assistance in 2025, while millions have been displaced by the conflict.
The war began in April 2023 when fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces following disagreements over the integration of their forces during Sudan’s planned transition towards civilian government.
The conflict has forced more than 14 million people to flee their homes and has been accompanied by killings along ethnic lines. The United Nations has also reported that more than seven million people, particularly in Darfur, are facing food insecurity.
While violence continues, there are renewed signs of diplomatic activity aimed at finding a political solution to the conflict.
US Senior Adviser for Arab and African Affairs Massad Boulos said the United States remained committed, together with Egypt and other regional and international partners, to promoting a political solution to the crisis. He made the remarks after attending a luncheon hosted by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al Sisi and Sudanese army chief General Abdel Fattah al Burhan.
President al Sisi said Egypt would continue efforts at regional and international levels to promote a political settlement, end the war and reduce the humanitarian suffering of the Sudanese people. He said such efforts could help Sudan restore security and stability and begin reconstruction.
Al Sisi also reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Sudanese people and its commitment to Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national institutions, including the regular army.
The meeting took place less than two weeks after Washington denied General Burhan a visa to attend a planned address to the United Nations General Assembly. Sudanese sources linked the decision to a US backed ceasefire proposal that Khartoum has so far resisted.
The latest attacks underline the difficult conditions facing humanitarian organisations as diplomatic efforts seek to end a conflict that continues to place civilians and aid workers at serious risk.