At least 14 civilians have lost their lives and dozens more were injured in a violent attack near El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state in central Sudan. The incident occurred in the Um Arada area, approximately 15 kilometres southwest of the city, as fighting escalates between Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
The Emergency Lawyers, a volunteer group monitoring the conflict, reported that the RSF launched the assault, which caused civilians to flee amid worsening humanitarian conditions. Medical personnel at El Obeid Hospital confirmed receiving at least 12 bodies and admitting about 15 wounded individuals, with casualties still arriving.
In a public statement, the RSF claimed full control of the Um Arada area, alleging that SAF units had retreated and abandoned weapons and military equipment. The paramilitary group also stated that military operations continue on the Kordofan and Blue Nile fronts, describing the situation as having undergone a "fundamental change." However, a Sudanese military source countered that SAF forces repelled the attack and inflicted heavy losses on the RSF fighters.
Since mid-April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in armed conflict between the SAF and RSF, resulting in thousands of deaths and displacing millions both internally and across borders. The intensification of hostilities in North, West, and South Kordofan states raises significant concerns for civilian safety and humanitarian access.
