UN Women warns of drone attacks and sexual violence targeting women in El Obeid

July 25, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Daytime drone strikes and nighttime sexual violence have created a severe protection crisis for women and girls attempting to access basic water supplies in El Obeid, UN Women warned.

The agency stated that the pattern of attacks in the North Kordofan capital mirrors violence previously documented in El Fasher, leaving displaced populations facing severe shortages of food, medical care, and clean water.

Residents reported that drone strikes frequently target water distribution points during daylight hours, forcing women and girls to gather water after dark.

Under cover of darkness, women seeking water are subjected to sexual assault, rape, and harassment, making routine water collection dangerous at all hours.

The health risks are heightened as the rainy season approaches, raising fears of waterborne disease outbreaks alongside an ongoing cholera surge that saw 1,330 cases reported in early July.

UN Women estimated that 12.7 million women and girls across Sudan now require gender-based violence services as the country’s conflict enters its third year.

Severe aid shortfalls have forced two-thirds of local women-led relief organizations to close or scale down protective services and safe spaces.

Nearly half of these grassroots organizations face complete operational closure within the next year unless emergency funding is secured.

The UN agency reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, full protection for civilians, and accountability for human rights violations.