UN Chief condemns deadly drone strikes in Sudan

(MENAFN) The United Nations voiced deep alarm on Sunday after a series of drone strikes in Sudan left numerous civilians, including children, dead, according to international reports.

A statement from the UN described the secretary-general’s reaction, quoting Stephane Dujarric as saying: "The Secretary-General is appalled by reports that dozens of children and other civilians have been killed in the latest deadly attacks in South Kordofan." According to the same statement, three drone attacks struck the town of Kalogi on Dec. 4—two targeting a kindergarten and a third hitting a hospital treating injured residents.

Guterres denounced all forms of violence against civilians and essential public services, stressing that assaults on schools and medical centers could amount to grave violations of international humanitarian law.

Reports also described another incident that same day in North Kordofan, where an aerial strike hit a humanitarian convoy transporting food supplies to North Darfur. The attack damaged a World Food Program vehicle and critically injured its driver. As the statement noted: "The Secretary-General deplores this further attack on humanitarian operations at a time of dire needs."

Guterres called on countries with sway over the conflicting sides to intervene immediately, pressing them to use their influence to secure a halt to the fighting and to stop the flow of weapons contributing to the crisis. He insisted that all actors involved adhere strictly to their legal responsibilities in every part of the conflict-ridden country.

Sudan’s war—pitting the national army against the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023—has resulted in mass casualties and the displacement of millions.

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