US condemns drone attack on UN food convoy in Sudan

ISTANBUL

The US on Saturday condemned a drone attack on a UN truck carrying food to displaced persons in Sudan's Darfur region.

"The United States condemns the drone attack on a UN World Food Programme (WFP) truck carrying life-saving food to displaced persons in Darfur fleeing atrocities and famine," Massad Boulos, US State Department senior advisor for Arab and African affairs, said on US social media company X.

Boulos noted that this was the sixth attack on WFP aid in Sudan this year.

He accused both parties to the conflict of using denial of food to starving populations as a war tactic, stressing: "Humanitarian staff and assets must never be a target."

"The United States calls on Sudan's warring parties to cease hostilities and allow unhindered humanitarian access," Boulos added.

The WFP said the Thursday attack targeted one of its trucks near Hamra El Sheikh in North Darfur.

The truck was part of a 39-truck convoy transporting food assistance to families who fled to Tawilah seeking food and safety.

The attack destroyed the truck's cabin and seriously injured the driver, the WFP said, calling for an immediate independent investigation.

The conflict between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023, has killed thousands and displaced millions.