Drone attack on Gedaref government building leaves two injured

July 11, 2024 (GEDAREF)  – A drone attack targeted the Gedaref state government headquarters on Thursday during a public gathering held in support of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), who are currently engaged in conflict with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Two civilians were injured in the attack, and authorities swiftly apprehended a suspect.

This drone attack is the second of its kind in Gedaref city. On April 9th, similar attacks struck the General Intelligence Service headquarters and other government buildings.

Military sources informed “Sudan Tribune” that two suicide drones attempted to target the event, attended by the state governor, security officials, and prominent community members, which aimed to bolster public support for the SAF’s war efforts and state security measures.

Preliminary investigations suggest the drones originated from the “Um Sharaba” area in Central Gedaref and flew over “Ad Al Tin” before targeting the government secretariat. The drones missed their intended target, with one crashing near a women’s and maternity hospital and the other in the Al Sadaqa neighbourhood, causing injuries to two civilians.

The Gedaref government expressed deep sorrow for the civilian casualties and condemned the RSF for the attacks, accusing them of undermining the safety and security of the region.

The government emphasized that the gathering aimed to unite the community in support of the armed forces, bolster their capabilities, and mobilize local resistance to safeguard the state.

Gedaref remains vulnerable to RSF incursions due to its proximity to the Al Jazirah and Sennar states, where the RSF has a presence. In response, authorities have heightened security measures, activated local resistance groups, and are preparing for potential emergencies.

Over the past week, Gedaref has welcomed over 100,000 displaced individuals from Al Dinder and Singa in Sennar state, who were forced to flee due to the RSF takeover of these areas.