Attack on UN Aid Truck in North Kordofan

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) reported late Friday that a truck from a humanitarian convoy en route to Tawila in North Darfur was attacked in the town of Hamrat-al-Sheikh in North Kordofan.

In a statement, the UN agency said it “strongly condemns the attack on one of its trucks near Hamra-al-Sheikh last night.” It added that the targeted truck was part of a 39-truck convoy carrying essential food assistance to support families who had fled to Tawila area.

The WFP did not accuse any party of carrying out the attack. Hamra-al-Sheikh is under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The statement noted that the truck was attacked while stopped for mechanical repairs, resulting in the destruction of the driver’s cabin and severe injuries to the driver, who was immediately transported to a hospital for treatment.

The agency called for an immediate and independent investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be held accountable. It said the attack occurred after the convoy had completed more than half of its 1,000-kilometer journey, despite having received clearance from all conflict parties to use this route.

The WFP also highlighted that this marks the sixth attack on its trucks, property, and facilities since last year, which has resulted in the deaths of eight humanitarian workers and partners, with many others injured, stressing that such attacks are completely unacceptable.

“It is imperative that humanitarian personnel and assets are never targeted,” the statement concluded.