Drones Target Sudan’s Dams as Strikes Spread to Blue Nile
Sudan is facing a new wave of drone attacks, this time involving critical water and power infrastructure in the country’s east, after military and local sources said air defenses intercepted drones targeting the Upper Atbara and Setit dam complex and the Khashm al-Girba dam. Separate drone strikes were also reported in Blue Nile state.
Military and local sources cited by Sudan Tribune said attack drones were brought down while heading toward the Upper Atbara and Setit complex in Gedaref state, near the Ethiopian border, and Khashm al-Girba dam in neighboring Kassala state. No casualties or structural damage were reported at the dams.
Drone Strikes Reach Critical Infrastructure
The developments put renewed attention on infrastructure that plays an important role in irrigation, water supplies and electricity generation in eastern Sudan. Available reports did not identify who launched the drones targeting the two dam sites, leaving responsibility for the attacks unclear.
Farther south, Ed Damazin, the capital of Blue Nile state, was hit by separate drone strikes on Sunday and Monday nights. Military sources said four people were killed and several others wounded. Material released by the army showed damage to fuel storage facilities and civilian infrastructure.
The Sudanese army’s 4th Infantry Division accused the Rapid Support Forces of targeting populated areas and civilian facilities in Ed Damazin. The RSF had not publicly responded to that allegation in the reports available.
The strikes come as Sudan’s war continues to displace millions of people and restrict humanitarian access across large parts of the country. Profile News previously reported on efforts to facilitate aid access to Darfur and Kordofan amid persistent humanitarian constraints.
Nearly 19.5 Million People Face Acute Hunger
The military escalation comes alongside a severe food crisis. The World Food Programme estimates that nearly 19.5 million people in Sudan face acute food insecurity, while funding shortages have forced the agency to prioritize assistance for the most vulnerable communities.
Reuters reported that WFP funding for Sudan has fallen to about $206 million this year from $645 million last year. The agency says it needs nearly $300 million in additional funding to maintain its current operations.
Profile News’ previous coverage of Sudan’s humanitarian crisis has documented warnings over worsening hunger and obstacles to aid deliveries in displacement areas. The latest drone attacks add further pressure on essential infrastructure and services.
Sources: Profile News, Sudan Tribune, World Food Programme, Reuters.
