Drone strikes threaten civilians and aid operations in Sudan

Drone strikes are posing deadly risks to civilians in Sudan and hampering humanitarian efforts to reach them as attacks continue to affect conflict-hit areas, the UN aid coordination office OCHA said on Monday.The warning came a day after a deadly reported strike in the village of Ghara al Zawiya in North Darfur state caused dozens of casualties, according to information shared by the UN human rights office, OHCHR.International media reported that at least 35 people were killed and dozens more injured in a drone strike by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on a traditional court on Sunday afternoon. The SAF and former allies, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have been at war since April 2023.Appeal for de-escalationOCHA said renewed drone attacks in recent days in El Obeid, capital of North Kordofan state, have also put civilians, critical infrastructure and humanitarian operations at risk.UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher said humanitarians are scaling up efforts to reach families hit by conflict in North Kordofan and will seize every opening to expand lifesaving aid in and around El Obeid.He called on the parties to de-escalate, protect civilians and ensure humanitarian ac...