Sudan: Dozens Killed or Displaced As Drone Strikes, Fighting Escalate Across Sudan's War Zones

Lead

A new wave of violence in Sudan's Blue Nile state and other war zones has left dozens dead or injured and forced thousands more from their homes, according to reports from Al Jazeera and Radio Dabanga, as the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) rages into its fourth year.

The Sudanese army announced on May 16 that it had recaptured the town of Khor Hassan in southeastern Blue Nile state from the RSF, inflicting heavy losses on the paramilitary force's personnel and equipment, as reported by Al Jazeera. The same outlet reported that the army's advances in the region have deepened the displacement crisis, with more families forced into overcrowded camps.

Meanwhile, a drone strike in the Balila area of Kurmuk locality, Blue Nile state, reportedly killed 10 civilians and injured 20 others, mostly women and children, according to a statement from the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North led by El Hilu (SPLM-N El Hilu), as cited by Radio Dabanga. The claim, attributed to the armed opposition group, has not been independently verified.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera's reporting, filed by correspondent Hiba Morgan from Blue Nile state, has focused on the humanitarian impact of the fighting and the army's military advances. Three separate Al Jazeera reports between May 13 and May 17 detailed the displacement of more than 28,000 people between April and January, the recapture of Khor Hassan, and the deteriorating conditions in camps sheltering displaced families.

Radio Dabanga, a Sudan-focused news outlet, provided more granular details of the violence, reporting specific casualty figures from the Balila drone strike, displacement numbers from various regions, and the broader humanitarian crisis.

AllAfrica, which aggregates African news reports, echoed the urgent tone, emphasizing the escalating violence and worsening conditions.

Key Claims

• More than 28,000 people were displaced from Blue Nile State between April and January alone, according to Al Jazeera.
• The Sudanese army recaptured the town of Khor Hassan from the RSF on May 16, inflicting heavy losses, per Al Jazeera.
• Ten civilians were killed and 20 injured in a drone strike in the Balila area, according to the SPLM-N El Hilu statement reported by Radio Dabanga.
• Fighting over the past four months has displaced about 30,000 people, mainly from Kurmuk, its surroundings, and Qaysan, to Damazin and other areas, Radio Dabanga reported.
• More than 100,000 civilians have been displaced from Kurmuk province to Damazin and other areas, a figure not yet corroborated by other sources.
• Drone attacks on Kenana and Omdurman have caused material damage and casualties, according to Radio Dabanga.
• 745 people were displaced from the village of El Kili in Kurmuk province last week, and 3,550 people were displaced from three villages in North and South Kordofan states on Wednesday and Thursday, per Radio Dabanga.

Perspectives

The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023 following a power struggle between the army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF commander Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, has resulted in over 150,000 deaths and displaced more than 12 million people, according to Al Jazeera.

The strategic importance of Blue Nile state, which serves as a gateway to central Sudan and borders Ethiopia, has made it a focal point of the fighting. Al Jazeera noted that the Sudanese government accuses Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates of backing the RSF, a claim both countries deny.

The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with severe water shortages, fears of flooding and disease, and limited aid access. The Blue Nile Civil Society Initiative has issued an urgent appeal for regional and international intervention to address the worsening crisis, as reported by Radio Dabanga.