Sudan Fighting Escalates with Market Attack and Artillery Shelling in South Kordofan
SUDAN – The Sudan conflict intensified on Thursday after drone strikes hit a fuel market in West Darfur while artillery shelling resumed in South Kordofan, raising new concerns over the safety of civilians and humanitarian supply routes.
Witnesses reported that a drone launched by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) struck the Adikong fuel market, located west of El Geneina in West Darfur, near the Adré border crossing with Chad. The early-morning attack triggered large fires and thick smoke, with unconfirmed reports suggesting casualties.
Residents said the strike caused major damage to parts of the busy market, a key trading point close to the border. A second drone strike was also reported at the weekly market in Sileia, another town in West Darfur.
RSF Condemns Market Strike
The rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) condemned the attack, describing the Adré border crossing as a critical humanitarian corridor connecting Sudan with neighboring Chad. The route is widely used for delivering food, medicine, and aid supplies to civilians affected by the ongoing war.
In a statement, the RSF called on the United Nations Security Council and international organizations to take urgent action to stop what it described as attacks on civilian areas and to hold those responsible accountable.
According to local reports, the Adikong strike was the third attack on a market area this year, and it occurred only a day after the Adré border crossing reopened following earlier security concerns from Chadian authorities.
Deadly Drone Strike in West Kordofan
In West Kordofan, a separate drone strike on the town of Abu Zabad reportedly killed more than 20 people and wounded 23 others, according to Alaa Naqd, spokesperson for the Sudan Founding Alliance (Tasees).
The alliance urged regional and international actors to intervene and address the growing violence across the region.
Shelling Resumes in South Kordofan
Meanwhile, artillery shelling resumed in the city of Dilling in South Kordofan early Thursday. Witnesses reported that bombardment from the northern outskirts of the city continued for several hours, creating panic among residents.
Local sources said the shelling was carried out by RSF fighters alongside forces from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu.
Hunger Crisis Still Looms
Despite the continued violence, a recent report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) said the immediate risk of famine in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan, has slightly eased. However, the report warned that severe hunger remains widespread across the region.
As the Sudan war continues to spread across Darfur and Kordofan, the latest drone strikes and artillery attacks highlight the growing threat to civilian lives, markets, and humanitarian supply routes.
Source: Dabanga Sudan