The relative calm in Gedaref, an eastern city in Sudan, was shattered on Tuesday as at least three RSF drones targeted Sudanese army positions, according to military and security sources.
The sudden escalation of violence marks a significant shift in dynamics for a region that had previously been spared much of the country’s ongoing conflict.
The attacks, which struck locations in Gedaref and Al-Faw, prompted intense anti-aircraft fire from the army, witnesses reported. Gedaref, previously considered a safe haven for civilians displaced from other conflict zones, now finds itself thrust into the forefront of the conflict.
The strategic importance of the eastern region cannot be understated, as it serves as a crucial hub for humanitarian aid delivery. However, with the recent drone strikes, it has become a focal point of the conflict, jeopardizing aid operations and further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Meanwhile, clashes persist in other parts of the country, including Al-Jazira state and the western region of Darfur. Both sides have been accused of committing war crimes, including indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas, further deepening the suffering of the population.
The conflict, which has raged on for nearly a year, has already resulted in thousands of casualties and the displacement of millions, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution to the crisis in Sudan.
