An aerial attack killed a WFP driver traveling in a marked humanitarian convoy.
Why it matters: The attack hit a vital aid route in Sudan, where 19.5 million people face hunger. WFP says it reaches more than 4 million people monthly, including about 825,000 in Kordofan.
- Two contracted WFP trucks carrying food commodities were attacked on October 3 on the route from Dilling to Kadugli.
- One driver was killed, while WFP continued assessing cargo damage and had not identified the perpetrator.
- A WFP truck hit an explosive device in Dilling on October 2, one day before the attack.
- WFP called for a prompt and impartial investigation and accountability for violations.
An aerial attack struck two contracted trucks carrying World Food Programme food commodities in South Kordofan, Sudan, in the early hours of October 3, WFP said.
One driver was killed. The trucks were traveling from Dilling to Kadugli and were clearly marked as humanitarian vehicles. WFP said it was collecting details, assessing cargo damage and had not identified the perpetrator.
Sudan Tribune and Dabanga Radio also reported the incident on the Dilling-Kadugli route. The supplied materials do not include a separate account from a local authority, witness or other on-the-ground source, so the reports do not independently establish additional details beyond the core incident.
The attack followed another security incident: A WFP truck hit an explosive device in Dilling on October 2 after delivering food assistance. WFP has not announced whether deliveries between Dilling and Kadugli have been suspended, rerouted or subjected to new restrictions.
The route supports relief operations in a region facing severe need. WFP says 19.5 million people in Sudan face hunger and that it reaches more than 4 million people monthly, including about 825,000 in Kordofan. WFP's statement provides the figures cited here.
The International Committee of the Red Cross says humanitarian personnel and relief objects must be respected and protected under international humanitarian law. Protection for relief vehicles depends on their civilian status; the legality of an attack also turns on distinction, proportionality and precautions.
WFP said, "WFP calls for a prompt and impartial investigation into this incident." The available evidence does not establish whether the attack was intentional, negligent, indiscriminate or a mistaken identification.
By the numbers
- 19.5 million - people in Sudan facing hunger, according to WFP
- 4 million - people WFP says it reaches monthly in Sudan
- 825,000 - people WFP says it reaches in Kordofan
Yes, but: The supplied materials do not identify the perpetrator or provide independent on-the-ground confirmation beyond reports reflecting the incident.
What's next: WFP has not reported a suspension, rerouting or new security restrictions for the Dilling-Kadugli route. No operational change has been announced in the supplied materials.