The United Nations warned of an intensifying pattern of drone strikes and clashes in Sudan that have spread beyond Darfur to other states, endangering civilians and essential services.

UN spokesperson Farhan said the situation in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, “remains catastrophic,” citing heavy clashes and drone attacks that also struck Khorma, about 80 kilometers away. He said attacks and aerial weapons have been reported across Khartoum, Blue Nile, North Kordofan and Sennar, and that incidents have affected airports and caused widespread power outages.

Why it matters: the spread of aerial attacks into populated areas heightens civilian casualties, strains medical and humanitarian services and complicates aid operations.

The UN described continuing insecurity in South Darfur’s capital, Nyala, and said partners are closely monitoring the situation. The briefing reiterated the UN position that civilians must be protected, essential infrastructure must not be targeted and safe humanitarian access must be ensured. The spokesperson called on all parties to immediately halt hostilities and to uphold international humanitarian law.

The UN said it will brief further with agency partners, including UNICEF, UNHCR and the World Food Programme, whose representatives were scheduled to discuss humanitarian operations in the region in subsequent briefings.