19 prisoners killed in suspected drone strike by RSF in Sudan

In Sudan’s Kordofan region, a tragic incident occurred when a suspected drone strike carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) struck a prison, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 prisoners and injuring 45 others. The attack took place on a Saturday, highlighting the ongoing brutal conflict in Sudan, which has persisted since April 15, 2023. The RSF has been engaged in a war with the Sudanese military, escalating its military actions with drone strikes targeting military-held areas throughout the country. The attack in Obeid, North Kordofan's capital, follows a series of similar strikes, underscoring the RSF's increasing reliance on drone technology to bolster its military capabilities against the Sudanese armed forces. Local police forces attributed the assault to the RSF, though the paramilitary group has not issued an immediate response regarding the assault. Meanwhile, earlier this month, the RSF conducted a multi-day drone attack on Port Sudan, striking critical infrastructure such as airports and fuel storage facilities, elevating the state of armed strife in the region. The civil war has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with estimates indicating that over 24,000 individuals have lost their lives to the violence, a figure that is likely to be even higher. The ongoing conflict has displaced approximately 13 million people, including 4 million who have fled to neighboring countries. Furthermore, the war has instigated severe food shortages, pushing parts of Sudan into famine conditions, exacerbated by atrocities committed during the fighting, which have included mass violence and ethnically motivated acts. The conflict has become known for its brutality, with reports emerging of war crimes and crimes against humanity being perpetrated particularly in the Darfur region. The United Nations and various international human rights organizations have provided documentation of these atrocities, painting a grim picture of a nation in turmoil. The situation in Sudan continues to demand urgent attention from the international community as the fatalities mount and the humanitarian crisis deepens.