Drone strikes target Kordofan infrastructure, disrupt services, UN says

June 23, 2026 (UNITED NATIONS) – Escalating violence and drone attacks in and around the North Kordofan state capital of El Obeid have put civilians at risk and severely disrupted essential services, a United Nations spokesperson said.

Between Thursday and Sunday, drone strikes reportedly targeted multiple locations in El Obeid, including a power substation and a fuel station, according to U.N. Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric during a press briefing on Monday.

The local medical group Sudan Doctors Network reported that the attacks forced the closure of several medical facilities in the city, including a dialysis centre. The strikes also caused water stations to shut down, further cutting off essential services for residents.

Elsewhere in North Kordofan, local sources said two key bridges south of Um Ruwaba were targeted by drones on Monday. The bridges sit along the main road connecting North Kordofan and South Kordofan. Despite the damage, humanitarian partners reported that movement along the corridor remained possible.

Additional drone attacks were reported on Monday in the city of Ar Rahad, located southeast of El Obeid along a key highway. Recent days have also seen drone strikes in North Darfur and White Nile states, causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

Meanwhile, in nearby West Kordofan, a cholera outbreak continues to worsen. The UN attributed the spike to limited humanitarian access, insecurity, ongoing displacement, and a lack of safe drinking water and sanitation.

The U.N. and its partners have supported the provision of cholera treatments, supplied medical materials, and established treatment centres in the state, alongside running awareness campaigns.

Dujarric reiterated calls for all warring parties to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law, protect civilians and infrastructure, and facilitate unhindered humanitarian aid.