Residents in El-Obeid, a city in southern Sudan, are expressing concerns over the apparent readiness of paramilitary groups for an attack. The army disclosed that they had intercepted a drone aimed at the city on Saturday. El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state located approximately 400 kilometers southwest of Khartoum, holds strategic importance for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in conflict with Sudan’s military since April 2023.
Although the RSF stated on Thursday that they had agreed to a ceasefire proposal mediated by third parties, the UN has noted signs of escalating tensions, particularly in the Kordofan region. The situation in the area is reportedly deteriorating, prompting concerns about potential heightened hostilities.