Mounting Tensions in El-Obeid
The city of el-Obeid, situated on the front lines of Sudan's ongoing civil war, is facing a surge in drone strikes, sparking fears of an impending massacre. A university student, Sarah (not her real name), recounted a harrowing experience at a fuel station when a drone attack occurred, resulting in numerous injuries and destruction of vehicles. Sarah sustained injuries from shrapnel during the attack.
Strategic Importance and Military Challenges
El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, houses one of Sudan's largest military bases. Despite being under army control, the city has seen an increase in drone attacks, with 27 strikes in June alone, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (Acled). UN human rights chief Volker Turk highlighted that the city has been enduring dire conditions for 18 months, with reports of human rights abuses.
Nathaniel Raymond from Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab emphasized el-Obeid's strategic significance, as it serves as a critical junction between RSF-controlled western regions and army-dominated eastern territories. Control over el-Obeid is vital for maintaining access to the capital, Khartoum, and its twin city, Omdurman.
Humanitarian Crisis and Escalating Violence
The city's healthcare facilities are struggling to manage the influx of casualties from drone attacks, which frequently result in severe limb and head injuries. A local doctor recounted the tragic case of a seven-month-old baby who succumbed to injuries after an amputation. The fear of drone attacks has residents living in constant anxiety, uncertain of their safety.
Amnesty International's Agnès Callamard warned that el-Obeid could experience violence similar to that in el-Fasher, where the RSF captured the city after an 18-month siege. Although the RSF has denied intentions of large-scale attacks, they have reportedly surrounded el-Obeid from multiple directions, leading to concerns about future offensives.
Displacement and Resource Scarcity
Drone strikes have primarily targeted fuel stations and tankers, causing significant disruptions in the fuel supply and driving up prices. Attacks on infrastructure, including the main electrical substation, residential areas, and markets, aim to destabilize daily life. The lack of resources, particularly fuel and electricity, threatens water supply systems, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
The city's population includes approximately 100,000 displaced individuals who fled violence from other regions, seeking refuge in el-Obeid. However, as drone strikes intensify, many, including a humanitarian worker named Ahmed, fear they may have to relocate once again. The constant threat of attacks leaves residents living in fear and uncertainty, with many choosing to sleep outside due to the oppressive heat and fear of nighttime strikes.
Source: Original Article
