Sudan War: Drone strikes damage key aid lines

The warning came after an overnight explosion was reported at the key Ardamata bridge in West Darfur state, as fighting continues between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and its former ally, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The two sides have been fighting for control of the country since April 2023.

This bridge connects the town of El Geneina with areas near the border with the neighboring country of Chad. This is a an important route for commercial traffic and humanitarian supplies entered the Darfur region.

Rainy season worries

The situation was further emphasized in South Kordofan state, where two main bridges along the road between the cities of Kadugli and Dilling were reported destroyed at the weekend.

This is disrupting the movement of civilians and aid operations as the rainy season begins, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq told reporters in New York.

“Humanitarian partners warn there will be no viable alternative routes if seasonal rains intensifyhe said.

Insecurity and attacks

Meanwhile, humanitarian movements along the Geneina–Zalingei road connecting West and Central Darfur have resumed after being halted on Monday due to insecurity and rising inter-community tensions. However, access is still fragile.

The road is an important route for transporting humanitarian aid from Chad to Darfur and the Kordofans.

Drone activity also affects several regions in Sudan more than 30 million people across the country need humanitarian assistance.

A drone was reportedly shot down on Tuesday in Omdurman, Khartoum state, while several attacks were reported in Dilling the previous day.

Haq reiterated the UN’s call on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and facilitate rapid, safe, unimpeded and sustainable humanitarian access.

Impact in Chad

A senior UN official discusses how Sudan’s war is affecting Chad a briefing to Security Council regarding developments in the Central African region.

“With the conflict in Sudan now entering its fourth year, its immediate impact on Chad cannot be ignored,” Martha Pobee, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, told ambassadors on Tuesday.

The influx of nearly one million Sudanese refugees – along with around 300,000 Chadian refugees – has put significant pressure on resources.

“Repeated cross-border attacks and drone attacks on Chadian military positions risk expanding the conflict regionally,” he said.

“We once again call on all partners to step up their efforts to resolve the conflict in Sudan and assist Chad in dealing with the impact of this crisis.

WHO response

United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) also emphasized how the arrival of refugees has put enormous pressure on Chad’s fragile health system and services.

WHO continues to work with authorities and partners to strengthen the emergency response, support frontline health workers, and improve access to essential health services.

“From emergency medical assistance to mental health and psychosocial care, solidarity and coordinated action remain essential,” the agency said tweet.