The Sudanese city of El Obeid has become the latest flashpoint in the country’s devastating conflict, with growing concerns that hundreds of thousands of civilians could be caught in the crossfire as military tensions continue to rise.
Repeated warnings of an imminent attack on El Obeid have emerged alongside reports of increased military activity in North Kordofan, raising fears that the city could soon witness a major escalation.
Observers say the battle for El Obeid is no longer only about military control but also about winning the information war, with rival sides seeking to shape international opinion ahead of any developments on the ground.
At the centre of the crisis are hundreds of thousands of civilians whose safety has become an urgent concern.
“The protection of civilians must come before military or political interests,” analysts say, warning that residents should never become bargaining chips in the conflict.
According to field reports, forces aligned with the Sudanese army have allegedly prevented civilians from leaving the city, increasing fears they could become trapped if fighting intensifies.
The reports claim civilians risk being used as human shields or becoming victims of the conflict should violence escalate.
Meanwhile, the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudan Founding Alliance say they are prepared to open safe corridors for civilians wishing to leave El Obeid.
They also say they are willing to work with the United Nations and humanitarian agencies to facilitate aid delivery and civilian protection.
The humanitarian concerns come amid reports that the conflict has expanded through the increased use of drones, with accusations that residential areas, markets and civilian facilities have been hit, causing casualties among women and children.
There are also allegations that military equipment is being stored inside residential neighbourhoods and public buildings, further increasing the risks facing civilians if fighting reaches the city.
The International Community has been urged to rely on independently verified facts rather than competing claims from the warring sides.
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