The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and its allies are proliferating strikes on the strategic city of El-Obeid with a population of 500,000 people, hitting schools, markets, and fuel stations as well as transport routes and vehicles. At least 27 drone attacks hit the city in June, according to agencies, marking the highest monthly total so far.
Anglican Bishop Ismael Gabriel Abudigin of El-Obeid Diocese said the strikes were killing civilians and causing great fear, while destroying civilian facilities such as fuel stations.
“It is our prayer that this war stops,” said Abudigin, as the attacks caused major power blackouts and severe shortages of water, food, and fuel.
The violence is beginning to mirror that in El-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, which the paramilitary blockaded for 18 months. After seizing the city in October 2025, the force was widely accused of committing crimes including mass killings, summary executions, torture, and sexual violence against women and girls.
“El-Obeid is still full of people and food is available, but things are very expensive. The markets are open, and the people are buying and selling things,” Abudigin said, while expressing confidence that the El-Fasher scenario will not repeat itself in El-Obeid.
Source: WCC read more