The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has raised alarms over a series of drone strikes near the Sudan-Chad border that have led to substantial civilian casualties. These attacks resulted in the deaths of six people, with four others succumbing to their injuries later. In total, 29 individuals were injured, prompting hospitalizations in a facility supported by Médecins Sans Frontières in Tiné, eastern Chad. The growing violence underscores a deteriorating security situation in Sudan and poses serious risks to humanitarian efforts in the region.

In addition to the border strikes, other incidents have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. In South Kordofan, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that three health facilities came under attack between February 3 and 5, resulting in at least 31 deaths and numerous injuries. A stark reminder of the toll on healthcare workers, one of the attacks specifically targeted a primary health center and claimed the lives of eight individuals, including children. The death of health personnel in the assaults further illuminates the dire conditions health services operate under in Sudan’s conflict-affected areas.

The escalating violence is contributing to an already fragile health system in Sudan, as highlighted by statements from international health officials. With the attacks on critical infrastructure like hospitals and health centers, the fear is that the healthcare system might collapse under pressure. As humanitarian agencies struggle to navigate this crisis, the lack of security for both civilians and healthcare workers presents a challenge that could lead to a further deepening of the humanitarian catastrophe in the region.