Rebel Shelling in South Kordofan Leaves Five Dead, Residents Flee

Sudan’s South Kordofan region was hit by a heavy shelling attack on Saturday, leaving a death toll of at least five and prompting residents to abandon their homes, Al Jazeera reported. The strike targeted the town of Dilling, where the Sudan Doctors Network confirmed that forces linked to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement‑North (SPLM‑N) fired artillery into civilian neighborhoods.

Witnesses described a sudden barrage that shattered windows and ignited fires across several blocks. Local health workers rushed to treat the wounded, but limited supplies hampered their efforts. “We heard the explosions and saw smoke rising from the market area,” one resident told Al Jazeera, adding that the sound of gunfire continued for over an hour.

The SPLM‑N, an armed opposition group that split from the broader Sudanese rebel movement in 2011, has been engaged in intermittent clashes with the Khartoum‑based army since the 2020 peace accords stalled. Their stated aim is greater autonomy for the historically marginalized Nuba peoples of South Kordofan and the Blue Nile region. The latest assault follows a series of cease‑fire violations reported earlier this year, underscoring the fragility of the tenuous truce that was brokered after the 2023 civil war.

Humanitarian agencies warn that repeated attacks on populated areas could trigger a fresh wave of displacement. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that more than 200,000 people have already been forced to flee their homes in South Kordofan since the conflict reignited in 2023. With winter approaching, shelter, food and medical aid are expected to become even scarcer for those seeking refuge in makeshift camps.

International observers have called for an urgent resumption of dialogue between the Sudanese government and rebel factions. The African Union, which chairs the Sudanese peace process, has urged both sides to respect civilian protection norms and allow unhindered humanitarian access. Meanwhile, the United States and European Union have reiterated their support for a political solution, warning that continued violence could trigger additional sanctions.

The latest attack adds to a growing list of incidents that have destabilised the region, where ethnic tensions, resource competition and a legacy of marginalisation have fueled recurring cycles of violence. For the people of Dilling, the immediate concern remains safety and the hope that aid can reach them before the harsh season sets in.