A drone strike on an army hospital in Dilling, a city besieged by rival paramilitary forces in southern Sudan, resulted in the deaths of seven civilians and left 12 others injured, as reported by a health worker at the facility. The victims included both patients and their companions. This army hospital plays a crucial role in serving not only military personnel but also residents of Dilling and surrounding areas.
Dilling, located in South Kordofan, has been a flashpoint in the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who are actively vying for control of this strategically important southern region. The RSF, in coalition with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu, has established domination over large areas of Kordofan, particularly in the Nuba Mountains, and has besieged key cities, including Dilling and Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state.
The region is currently experiencing intense fighting, with reports indicating a dire humanitarian situation. The United Nations has warned that Kadugli has been gripped by famine since September, and estimates suggest that Dilling is suffering similar conditions, although a lack of access to comprehensive data has hampered official declarations.
This recent attack is part of a broader pattern of violence; just a day prior, a drone strike targeted a United Nations peacekeeping base in Kadugli, leading to the deaths of six Bangladeshi troops. The SPLM-N has stated that the capture of Dilling and Kadugli is imminent, calling for the Sudanese army and its allied militias to withdraw from the region.
The RSF has gained momentum following its recent territorial gains, including the army’s last stronghold in Darfur. It has intensified its campaign in Kordofan, attempting to seize the vital central corridor of the country. The potential for widespread atrocities looms, echoing the tragic events of the past in North Darfur, with the UN issuing warnings about the risks of mass killings, abductions, and sexual violence.
The paramilitary forces are now focusing on key urban areas along the north-south axis connecting the South Sudan border and Khartoum, including Kadugli, Dilling, and El-Obeid. El-Obeid is particularly significant due to its location on a major highway linking Darfur to the capital, Khartoum, which the army regained control of in March.
As the conflict rages on, Sudan remains effectively divided, with the army maintaining control over central, eastern, and northern regions, while the RSF and its allies govern the western portions and parts of the south. The ongoing war has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands, displaced 12 million individuals, and triggered what is now considered the largest hunger and displacement crisis in the world.
