Sudanese Army Intercepts Drones in Northeastern Cities
The Sudanese army intercepted a series of drone attacks launched overnight by the rival paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), targeting two cities in the northeastern part of the country. A military official, who wished to remain anonymous, disclosed that 15 drones were directed at Atbara, a city located north of the capital in the River Nile province. The official confirmed that no casualties were reported as a result of the strikes. Local media outlets noted that residents in the area heard explosions following the attacks.
In addition, ground defenses successfully intercepted a smaller-scale drone attack aimed at Omduruman, the sister city of Khartoum. These incidents highlight the ongoing tensions between the Sudanese military and the RSF, which have escalated since the conflict began in 2023.
Truce Proposal and Military Response
The RSF’s recent drone strikes occurred just one day after the group announced its agreement to a humanitarian truce proposed by a U.S.-led mediator group known as the Quad. However, the Sudanese military has expressed reservations about the proposal. A military official told The Associated Press on Thursday that while the army welcomes the Quad’s initiative, it will only accept a truce if the RSF fully withdraws from civilian areas and surrenders weapons as outlined in previous peace agreements.
The war between the RSF and the Sudanese military originated in 2023 when tensions erupted between the two former allies, who had been tasked with overseeing a democratic transition following the 2019 uprising. The conflict has resulted in at least 40,000 deaths, according to the World Health Organization, and has displaced 12 million people. Aid organizations suggest that the actual death toll could be significantly higher. Additionally, over 24 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity, as reported by the World Food Program.
U.S.-Led Truce Plan
The U.S.-led truce plan involves a three-month humanitarian ceasefire followed by a nine-month political process. This was outlined by Massad Boulos, a U.S. adviser for African affairs, earlier this week. The proposal aims to address the ongoing violence and provide relief to affected populations.
Emergency Session on Human Rights
On Friday, the United Nations’ top human rights body announced an emergency special session on Sudan scheduled for November 14. The session will focus on recent bloodshed and other forms of violence against civilians in and around the Darfur city of el-Fasher. The call for the special session was led by Britain, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Norway, with support from more than two dozen members of the 47-member Human Rights Council.
Impact of the Conflict in Darfur
The RSF’s announcement of agreeing to the truce comes more than a week after the group seized control of el-Fasher, which had been under siege for over 18 months. It was also the last remaining Sudanese military stronghold in the western Darfur region.
UNICEF released a report on Thursday indicating that more than 81,000 people have been displaced from el-Fasher since October 26. The displaced population faces urgent needs for shelter, food, water, and medical care, but aid delivery remains limited. The agency identified over 850 children suffering from acute malnutrition, who are currently receiving treatment.
Violence, sexual assaults, and the looting of health facilities continue to plague North Darfur, with women and children being the most vulnerable groups.