Sudan: Dozens killed in attack on funeral in Kordofan region

At least 40 people were killed in an attack on a funeral in el-Obeid, a key city in Sudan's central Kordofan region which is contested by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the army.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported the attack on Wednesday, but did not specify when the attack occurred or who were the perpetrators. According to the Sudan Tribune and other local media outlets, the RSF launched drone strikes targeting a funeral service in el-Obeid on Monday.

"Local sources report that at least 40 civilians were killed and dozens injured yesterday in an attack on a funeral gathering in el-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State," the UN's agency said.

"Once again, OCHA calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for all parties to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian law."

War rages in Kordofan and Darfur

OCHA added that the situation in the region was deteriorating further as the RSF prepared to launch an assault in Kordofan after capturing el-Fasher, the last army stronghold in the western Darfur region.

In recent months, these two regions have emerged as the epicenter of Sudan's war.

Last week, the RSF seized el-Fasher following an 18-month siege. The paramilitary rampaged through a hospital, killing over 450 people, according to the World Health Organization. They also went door-to-door, killing civilians and committing sexual assaults.

The RSF has denied committing atrocities, but survivors who fled the city, along with online videos and satellite imagery, described the carnage following the attack. Tens of thousands have been displaced.