UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- UN humanitarians said Monday they are alarmed by reports of continued deadly drone strikes across Sudan, which are killing civilians and disrupting essential services.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said drones reportedly struck locations in the capital Khartoum, including near the airport, on Monday. A civilian was reportedly killed and some flights were canceled following the attacks.
OCHA said that a drone strike in West Darfur state reportedly killed 11 people, including nine children, and injured others in the Bir Saliba area on Saturday.
In South Darfur state, a drone strike reportedly hit the Almawashi market in the state capital Nyala last Friday, killing at least four people, including a child.
In North Kordofan state, at least four civilians were reportedly killed and others injured in a drone strike in the locality of Abu Zabad on Saturday.
"OCHA is also deeply saddened by the killing of a Sudanese Red Crescent volunteer while providing first aid at a health center in the town of Um Darfa, in Blue Nile State, last week, following a drone attack on the facility," the office said. "Since the conflict began in April 2023, 25 Sudanese Red Crescent volunteers have reportedly been killed while on duty."
The office said international humanitarian law requires the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities and humanitarian personnel.
OCHA said rising food prices further challenge families struggling to meet their basic needs.
The World Food Programme said the cost of its local food basket rose by 24 percent in September compared with August. Currency depreciation, fuel shortages and conflict-related disruptions to markets and supply routes are driving up costs.
"Despite immense challenges, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners continue to deliver life-saving assistance," OCHA said. "In Central Darfur State, partners recently rehabilitated a water facility in the locality of Zalingei, restoring access to safe water for some 2,500 people. More than 2,000 families also received water, sanitation and hygiene assistance across several localities."
However, the humanitarian office said underfunding threatens relief operations.
With less than three months left in the year, Sudan's humanitarian response plan is just over 43 percent funded, with 1.2 billion U.S. dollars of the nearly 2.9 billion required received so far, OCHA added. ■
