UN trucks carrying essential food grains to Sudan’s famine-stricken North Darfur region were attacked by drones. In this attack, 16 trucks caught fire. All UN vehicles were destroyed.
UN associate spokesperson Daniela Gross said that all the drivers and staff traveling with the World Food Program convoy are safe.
Who is responsible for this attack?
Gross said that it is not yet clear who was responsible for Wednesday’s attack? This was the second attack in the last three months to prevent the UN convoy from reaching North Darfur.
Attacks have happened before as well
In early June, a convoy of the World Food Program and UNICEF awaiting permission to go to Al-Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur, was attacked, killing five people and injuring many others.
Violence has erupted in many areas including Khartoum
There has been a conflict situation in Sudan since April 2023. When violence sparked by long-standing tensions between its military and paramilitary leaders erupted in the capital Khartoum and spread to other areas, including western Darfur.
So far about 40 thousand people have died
UN agencies say that so far about 40,000 people have been killed. About 1.3 crore people have been displaced. Gross said that about 2.5 crore people are facing severe hunger.
Investigation is being done
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and their allies announced in late June that they had formed a parallel government in the areas under their control, mainly in the vast Darfur region. Where allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity are being investigated.
People facing starvation
The RSF has surrounded Al-Fasher. Where the United Nations says people are facing starvation. It is the only capital not occupied by paramilitary forces in Darfur, which is made up of five states.
Famine threat spreads to 17 regions in Sudan
Famine was declared in the Zamzam displacement camp in northern Darfur more than a year ago. The United Nations says the threat of famine has since spread to 17 areas in Darfur and the Kordofan region, which borders northern Darfur and is west of Khartoum.