The United Nations is alarmed by the escalating drone attacks in Sudan that are endangering civilians.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general, said that a drone was reportedly shot down over Khartoum International Airport on Monday, leading to flights being cancelled.

Local media reported earlier that five members of the same family, including women and children, were killed on Saturday.

In White Nile State, a fuel station and tanker were hit near the city of Kosti.

In North Kordofan state, the state television building in the state’s capital, El Obeid, was damaged, said the spokesperson.

Drone attacks have also intensified in Darfur, he said, adding that strikes were reported Monday in West Darfur and in Nyala.

Also in South Darfur, two days earlier, a strike injured at least five people and damaged buildings near the offices of humanitarian organisations.

“The insecurity is forcing people to flee their homes.

”Since the start of the war in Sudan over three years ago, nearly nine million people are currently estimated to be internally displaced within the country, while some 4.5 million others have fled to neighbouring countries.

“We reiterate that parties must respect international humanitarian law at all times and that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be protected. Aid must be allowed to reach people quickly and safely, without obstruction,” said the UN spokesperson.

The International Organisation for Migration also said that over the past week, more than 2,600 people were displaced in North Kordofan and some 1,000 in South Kordofan. 

(Xinhua/NAN)