Port Sudan, April 24 (Darfur24)
More than 10 civilians were killed in a drone strike on the town of Um Dukhun in Central Darfur State, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said, expressing alarm over escalating violence in the region.
According to OCHA, the attack took place on April 21, when a drone strike targeted Um Dukhun, located southwest of Zalingei, the state capital. Local sources reported that the bombardment killed more than ten civilians and left many others injured.
The strike is part of a wave of air raids carried out over the past 72 hours by drones believed to be operated by the Sudanese army, targeting multiple locations across Darfur.
OCHA voiced grave concern over the deteriorating security situation, which continues to result in significant civilian casualties.
In North Darfur, the agency also reported that insecurity displaced at least 115 people from Damra al-Qubba village in Kutum locality last Sunday. The displaced have sought refuge in El Fasher locality, according to the International Organization for Migration.
Despite mounting challenges, OCHA said the United Nations and its humanitarian partners are continuing to respond to urgent needs across Sudan.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization reported progress in an ongoing six-day vaccination campaign launched last Saturday in West Darfur. The campaign aims to reach more than 80,000 children aged one to five across eight localities with essential childhood immunizations.
OCHA and its partners reiterated the need for safe, sustained, and unhindered humanitarian access, along with flexible funding to support vulnerable populations and scale up assistance efforts.