RSF drone strikes shatter sense of optimism in Sudan's el-Obeid

On 12 August 2026, the city of el-Obeid, in Sudan's North Kordofan state, experienced a sudden shift in mood after a drone attack by paramilitary group the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Early in the morning, the streets were bustling with children heading to school and locals selling fruit, exuding a sense of optimism as the siege on el-Obeid had been partially lifted and the rainy season was approaching.

However, the tranquility was shattered when RSF drones reappeared in the sky, prompting residents to flee in all directions. One young woman was injured by a falling drone fragment and rushed to the hospital.

This attack marked the first time RSF had responded to significant defeats inflicted on its forces in Bara, a city 60km north of el-Obeid, as well as other surrounding areas. Ahmed al-Mardi, a taxi driver, stated that the residents would not abandon their city despite the repeated drone strikes. Local traders expressed confusion over why the paramilitary group would target civilians instead of SAF soldiers.

Osman Abdullatif, head of a civilian committee supporting SAF, explained that RSF intentionally targets civilians to force population displacement, citing previous massacres in el-Jazira and el-Fasher.

The city of el-Obeid has long been plagued by the consequences of the war, including filthy conditions, disorganization, and high costs. Over the past three years, it has endured siege and attacks, yet residents have managed to maintain a semblance of normalcy, with markets, schools, and marriages intact. However, the city's resilience has come at a cost, with thousands fleeing and using it as a refuge.

Despite the presence of hundreds of thousands of military personnel and the deployment of undisciplined Joint Forces, el-Obeid continues to function, albeit with a veil of intimidation.