In the Sudanese city of el-Obeid, drone attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have caused significant destruction to civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and water treatment facilities. Footage published by the nonpartisan Ayin Network shows flattened buildings where a school once stood. Local residents, including those displaced due to the conflict, face severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies. According to Ahmed Awad, a project manager with Plan International, a drone attack on a primary school resulted in the deaths of three children, causing widespread trauma and fear among students and their families. El-Obeid, a strategically vital city located along a major trade route between Khartoum and Darfur, is currently under siege by the RSF, which has deployed troops near the city limits. Analysts, aid groups, and the United Nations warn that if the RSF captures el-Obeid, it could lead to a humanitarian crisis similar to the one seen in the nearby city of el-Fasher.
The Sudanese armed forces have launched a strategic offensive, seizing control of four key towns along the road connecting Khartoum to El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, on July 26, 2025. This marks a turning point in the ongoing conflict, which has remained largely stagnant for months. The captured towns lie on a critical route, reinforcing the army’s position and potentially altering the balance of power in the region. According to military sources, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the army’s main rival, had been gathering strength near El-Obeid for weeks, preparing for a potential breakthrough. Now, with the army pushing them back, the front lines have shifted significantly. The offensive follows nearly two years of intense warfare that has left much of Sudan in ruins. Since April 2023, the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF has escalated into one of the deadliest crises in modern history. Reports indicate that over 200,000 people have lost their lives, and millions face starvation. The humanitarian toll continues to mount, with entire communities displaced and basic services such as healthcare and clean water becoming increasingly scarce. In the bordering country of Chad, the situation has worsened dramatically, with over 938,000 Sudanese refugees fleeing the violence. In eastern Chad, the overcrowded refugee camps have become sites of desperate struggle. At the Goudrane refugee camp, conditions have deteriorated to a crisis level due to a severe lack of clean water. For nearly four days, the reservoirs were completely empty, forcing residents to rely on sporadic deliveries. A truck carrying 6,000 liters of water arrived, drawing hundreds of people to the site. Women and children were among the first to arrive, often standing in line for hours. Some resorted to extreme measures, including pouring out the limited water they had brought with them, simply to secure access to the new supply. According to survivors, within ten minutes, the entire load was gone, leaving families once again without reliable access to water. The scarcity of resources has led to heightened tensions and desperation. Local reports describe scenes of chaos, with parents unable to protect their children from the harsh realities of survival. One mother, Rokhia Ibrahim, recalled how she had to watch helplessly as her family struggled to find even a few drops of water during their escape from Sudan. “I watched as soldiers poured out the little water we had,” she said. “And now, almost nothing remains.” The crisis extends beyond immediate survival concerns. Health professionals in the camps have expressed alarm over the growing impact of water shortages on public health. A doctor at the Goudrane health post noted that without clean water, essential treatments for infections and diseases cannot be administered effectively. “We have medicine for treating illnesses, but without clean water, these medicines are useless,” he explained. International aid groups have also raised urgent warnings about the worsening conditions. French humanitarian organisation Solidarités International, which has operated in Chad since 2008, described the current water crisis as one of the most severe challenges they have faced. Despite efforts to improve access, financial constraints limit the ability to meet the increasing demand. “We are doing everything possible to improve water access, but our current funding is insufficient to ensure safe water for everyone,” said Thibault Henry, the organisation’s director. Meanwhile, the conflict itself shows no signs of abating. The war, now entering its fourth year, has spread across much of Sudan, with attacks intensifying and new waves of refugees continuing to flee. The United Nations has repeatedly called the situation the worst humanitarian and refugee crisis in the world. Despite international calls for peace, progress has been minimal, and hopes of returning home remain distant for many displaced individuals. In El-Obeid, the strategic significance of the town has made it a focal point of the battle. Located at a crucial crossroads, the city serves as a vital link between Khartoum and the western regions of Darfur, areas heavily influenced by the RSF. With the SAF reclaiming control, the town now stands as a symbol of shifting military fortunes. However, the road to Khartoum remains blocked to civilians, and the future of the region remains uncertain. As the conflict continues, the human cost grows ever more profound, with countless lives hanging in the balance.
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The Sudanese army has made a strategic advance by capturing four key cities along the road connecting Khartoum to El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, which has been under siege by the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group since 2023.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a military development in Sudan without apparent ideological framing, word-choice, or emphasis that suggests a particular political leaning. It focuses on the factual event of the Sudanese army capturing cities, without commentary or context that would indicate a left or right
Why factuality (88): The article reports on findings from a UN investigation into the role of Boeing 727 aircraft in supplying weapons and drones to the RSF, referencing satellite imagery and a Reuters investigation. It includes details about the aircraft being operated by companies linked to a former U.S. military cont
Why objectivity (75): The article maintains a relatively neutral tone, focusing on the operational aspects of the aircraft and their role in logistics. There is some mention of the geopolitical context, but overall, the reporting remains focused on factual descriptions without overt emotional or political bias.
Over 938,000 people have fled the civil war in Sudan since April 2023, seeking refuge in neighboring Chad. Approximately 50,000 of them are now living in the overcrowded refugee camp of Goudrane, where severe water shortages have created life-threatening conditions. Residents describe chaotic scenes as thousands fight over limited supplies of water brought by trucks, with women and children at the forefront of the struggle. The situation has worsened due to insufficient humanitarian aid and rising demand, leaving many without access to clean drinking water. Health professionals warn that without adequate water, medical treatments cannot be properly administered. Meanwhile, hopes for returning home are fading as the conflict continues to escalate.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of the humanitarian crisis caused by the ongoing civil war in Sudan, focusing on the suffering of refugees in Chad. It does not take a clear ideological stance but rather reports on the situation based on interviews with affected individuals and humanitarian组织.
Why factuality (85): The article provides detailed information based on reports from Al Jazeera and references data from the United Nations, aligning with cross-source consensus. It accurately describes the humanitarian crisis, the number of displaced people, and the water shortage in Goudrane refugee camp. The quotes f
Why objectivity (78): The tone remains largely descriptive and empathetic, focusing on the suffering of refugees. While it presents facts objectively, there is a slight emotional undertone when describing the desperate situation, such as 'prebivalci taborišča so opisovali, kako so ženske v prvi vrsti kričale.' This adds
AfricanewsIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 804 days ago
In Sudan, the military has regained control of a critical highway connecting the capital, Khartoum, to the city of El-Obeid, according to two military sources. This development follows months of troop buildup by the rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which have now been pushed westward away from the highway. El-Obeid sits at a strategic crossroads, linking the north-south route to Khartoum and the east-west axis connecting RSF strongholds in Darfur to army-controlled areas. While the highway remains closed to civilians, the army's progress provides an alternative supply route to El-Obeid. The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and RSF began in April 2023 and has resulted in over 200,000 deaths, creating the world's largest hunger crisis.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of military developments in Sudan without overtly favoring either the Sudanese army or the Rapid Support Forces. It includes quotes from military sources and contextualizes the conflict's impact, providing a balanced overview of the situation.
Why factuality (75): The article reports that the Sudanese army regained control of a crucial highway linking Khartoum to El-Obeid, citing military sources. It provides context about the ongoing conflict with the RSF and mentions the impact on supply routes. While the information aligns with the cross-source consensus,
Why objectivity (80): The article presents the military actions neutrally, using terms like 'regained control' and 'pushed west.' It avoids taking sides and focuses on reporting the events without emotional language, maintaining a balanced tone.
Deutsche Welle (English)State / PublicCenter8 hr. ago
In the Sudanese city of el-Obeid, drone attacks by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have caused significant destruction to civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and water treatment facilities. Footage published by the nonpartisan Ayin Network shows flattened buildings where a school once stood. Local residents, including those displaced due to the conflict, face severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies. According to Ahmed Awad, a project manager with Plan International, a drone attack on a primary school resulted in the deaths of three children, causing widespread trauma and fear among students and their families. El-Obeid, a strategically vital city located along a major trade route between Khartoum and Darfur, is currently under siege by the RSF, which has deployed troops near the city limits. Analysts, aid groups, and the United Nations warn that if the RSF captures el-Obeid, it could lead to a humanitarian crisis similar to the one seen in the nearby city of el-Fasher.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the situation in el-Obeid, highlighting the impact of drone attacks on civilians and infrastructure without taking a clear ideological stance. It includes quotes from both local residents and international organizations, providing multiple perspectives on a
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