A United Nations aid convoy carrying essential food supplies to the war-torn city of El Fasher came under attack on Monday night, killing five people and leaving several others injured.
The World Food Programme (WFP)and UNICEF confirmed the casualties in a joint statement issued on Tuesday June 3, condemning the assault and calling for an urgent investigation.
The convoy, consisting of 15 trucks, had traveled over 1,800 kilometers (1,120 miles) from Port Sudan, attempting to deliver lifesaving aid when armed assailants ambushed the mission near Al Koma, an area controlled by Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The attack left several trucks burned, while critical humanitarian supplies were damaged, further exacerbating Sudan’s deepening food crisis.
“This is a tragic setback for humanitarian efforts in Sudan. It is devastating that supplies meant for vulnerable children and families have been destroyed,”WFP and UNICEF stated.
Sudan has been locked in a two-year war between the Sudanese Army and RSF, leaving more than half the country’s population facing acute hunger.
Additionally, several medical personnel were killed in a separate attack on El Obeid hospital in North Kordofan last month.
WFP and UNICEF have demanded an end to attacks on humanitarian convoys, calling on all parties in the conflict to respect international humanitarian law.
