Rising Tensions in El-Obeid
El-Obeid, a crucial city in Sudan's ongoing civil war, has become a focal point of concern due to increasing drone strikes and military confrontations. The city's strategic importance stems from its location between territories controlled by the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Over the past month, the city has seen an escalation in violence, with significant casualties reported.
Among the injured is a university student, referred to as Sarah for her safety, who described the harrowing experience of being caught in a drone strike at a fuel station. She recounted the chaos and destruction, noting her injuries from shrapnel during the attack.
Military and Humanitarian Crisis
El-Obeid, located in North Kordofan state, hosts one of Sudan's largest military bases. Despite this, the military has struggled to counter the drone attacks, with the city experiencing 27 strikes in June alone, according to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED).
UN human rights chief Volker Turk highlighted the severe conditions in El-Obeid, describing the situation as a developing human rights disaster. Reports of summary executions, abductions, and other abuses have emerged as residents attempt to flee the violence.
"The signs from el-Obeid are clear and unmistakable: Another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan," Turk said, addressing the UN Human Rights Council.
Strategic Importance
Nathaniel Raymond, from Yale University's Humanitarian Research Lab, emphasized the strategic significance of El-Obeid. Control of this city is vital for access to the capital, Khartoum, and its twin city, Omdurman. Consequently, the army is determined to maintain its hold on the city.
Medical facilities in El-Obeid are overwhelmed, with hospitals struggling to treat the influx of casualties. A local doctor recounted the tragic case of a seven-month-old who succumbed to injuries after a drone strike.
Warnings of Potential Violence
Amnesty International's Agnès Callamard warned that El-Obeid could experience violence similar to that in El-Fasher, where the RSF was accused of atrocities against non-Arab groups. Despite these warnings, the RSF denies any plans of large-scale attacks.
ACLED's Nohad Eltayeb noted that the RSF has surrounded El-Obeid, but reinforced army positions and supply lines make a complete takeover unlikely.
Impact on Civilians
The drone strikes have predominantly targeted fuel stations, exacerbating shortages and driving up prices. Key infrastructure, including electrical substations and markets, has also been targeted, severely disrupting daily life.
Raymond indicated that without essential services like fuel and electricity, residents face the risk of waterborne diseases due to compromised water supplies.
El-Obeid is home to approximately 100,000 displaced individuals seeking refuge from violence elsewhere. However, the intensifying threat has even these residents contemplating further displacement.
A crisis of fear permeates the city, with many residents hesitant to leave their homes, uncertain of their return. The constant threat of drone attacks has left the population in a state of anxiety and unrest.
Source: Original Article
