Emergency lawyers condemn Rapid Support Forces attack on Umm Arda in Kordofan

August 15, 2026 (PEN) The Emergency Lawyers Group condemned the Rapid Support Forces' attack on the Um Arda area, southwest of El Obeid city in North Kordofan state on Friday, which resulted in the death of more than 14 civilians and the injury of dozens, according to initial information received by the group.

The group said the attack comes amid continued military operations between the two sides of the conflict in North Kordofan state, exacerbating the humanitarian disaster in areas already suffering from a blockade and a shortage of basic services.

The group added that humanitarian aid is suspended in a number of these areas due to the ongoing fighting, which is compounding the suffering of civilians and leaving residents without basic necessities.

Emergency lawyers warned all parties to the conflict against targeting or harming civilians, or carrying out any actions that would force them to flee or be displaced from their areas.

The group stressed that protecting civilians is a fundamental obligation under international humanitarian law, and that targeting them, launching indiscriminate attacks on populated areas, or forcing them to flee constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes.

The group called on the Rapid Support Forces and all parties to the conflict to immediately cease targeting civilians, take all necessary measures to avoid harming them, and allow urgent, safe and unhindered access for humanitarian aid to the affected, wounded and displaced.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been witnessing a war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, which has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of millions, amid a worsening humanitarian crisis and a widespread collapse of basic services, especially in areas of fighting and displacement.