Humanitarian Workers Killed in Attack in South Darfur

Khartoum, Sudan – In a tragic incident in Sudan's South Darfur region, two humanitarian workers were killed and three others wounded by gunmen, according to a statement from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The attack occurred on Thursday as the team was returning from Layba, where they had been assessing the humanitarian needs of communities affected by ongoing armed violence.

The victims, both drivers for the ICRC, were part of a team focused on delivering essential aid and assessing the needs in the conflict-stricken region. The gunmen responsible for the attack have not been identified, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the paramilitary group controlling South Darfur, has not yet issued a comment regarding the incident.

In response to the attack, the ICRC has issued a call for the immediate protection of all civilians, including humanitarian workers and medical personnel, emphasizing that they "must never be directly attacked.

" This plea highlights the increasing risks faced by humanitarian staff in conflict zones, particularly in Sudan where nearly 20 aid workers have been killed since the conflict erupted in April of the previous year, as reported by the United Nations.

This incident underscores the dangerous conditions under which humanitarian agencies operate in Sudan and the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect those providing critical support to affected populations.

The ongoing violence in Darfur continues to have a devastating impact on civilians and aid operations, complicating efforts to provide necessary relief and support to those in need.