In brief
In a devastating incident in Sudan, a drone strike aimed at a funeral in al-Luweib village resulted in over 40 fatalities, with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) suspected to be behind the attack. The situation remains dire as violence escalates in the region, leading to humanitarian crises and widespread displacement. International calls for a ceasefire grow louder amidst allegations of war crimes.
At least 40 people in Sudan have been killed in a drone strike that targeted a funeral that was taking place outside the army-held city of el-Obeid in North Kordofan state, according to officials and activists.
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been blamed for Monday's attack in al-Luweib village, where mourners had gathered. The RSF has not yet commented on the incident.
Many victims reportedly succumbed to their injuries before reaching hospitals in el-Obeid, a key city linking the capital, Khartoum, to the Darfur region.
Fighting has intensified in this oil-rich Kordofan area, with approximately 20,000 residents fleeing to el-Obeid last week after the RSF captured the town of Bara, located 30km north of the city.
In recent days, there have been alarming reports of mass killings, sexual violence, and looting linked to RSF fighters in el-Fasher, which was the army's last stronghold in Darfur.
The United Nations reported summary executions of civilians by RSF fighters in Bara, indicating a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian crisis.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has warned that these atrocities could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
As the RSF leader pledged to investigate atrocities, the group denied accusations of ethnic motivation behind the killings in el-Fasher, amidst ongoing unrest across Sudan.
In addition, the UN indicated that el-Fasher residents are suffering from famine due to the RSF's 18-month siege of the city, with Kadugli in South Kordofan also facing catastrophic hunger levels.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate halt to the violence, emphasizing that the humanitarian crisis in Sudan is worsening by the day.
As the situation escalates, a Sudanese government source indicated that authorities are considering a U.S. proposal for a truce. However, previous peace talks have failed to produce lasting agreements.
Reports suggest the RSF conducted drone strikes on mourners at a funeral in al-Luweib village, prompting urgent international attention and condemnation.
