Increasing Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis in North Kordofan, Sudan

蘇丹北科多法州衝突加劇與人道危機

Jul 7, 2026, 14:58

Introduction

The city of el-Obeid has become a central point of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), causing a large increase in displaced civilians and the destruction of local infrastructure.

歐貝德市已成為蘇丹武裝部隊 (SAF) 與快速支援部隊 (RSF) 衝突的中心，導致大量平民流離失所，且當地基礎設施遭到破壞。

Main Body

El-Obeid is strategically important because it serves as a major commercial center and a key transport link between central Sudan, Kordofan, and Darfur. Consequently, the SAF is trying to maintain control of the area and its supply routes, while the RSF has increased military pressure around the city. This change in the conflict follows the SAF's efforts to retake territory around Khartoum earlier this year.

歐貝德在戰略上至關重要，因為它是一個主要的商業中心，也是蘇丹中部、科多法與達爾富爾之間的關鍵交通樞紐。因此，SAF 試圖維持對該地區及其補給線的控制，而 RSF 則增加了圍繞該市的軍事壓力。衝突的這一轉變，源於 SAF 今年早前試圖奪回喀土穆周邊領土的行動。

A major part of the current conflict is the widespread use of drones. The SAF recently reported that they stopped three Chinese-made FH-95 drones in North Kordofan. At the same time, the United Nations and other rights groups have documented a pattern of drone strikes hitting civilian buildings and transport. For example, the Emergency Lawyers group reported 15 civilian deaths from two recent attacks, and UNICEF stated that 60 percent of child casualties in early 2026 were caused by drones. The UN estimated that 880 civilians were killed by these strikes between January and April 2026.

目前衝突的一個主要部分是無人機的廣泛使用。SAF 最近報告稱，他們在北科多法州攔截了三架中國製的 FH-95 無人機。與此同時，聯合國和其他權利團體記錄了無人機襲擊民用建築與交通工具的模式。例如，「緊急律師」小組報告指出，最近兩次襲擊導致 15 名平民死亡，而聯合國兒童基金會 (UNICEF) 表示 2026 年初 60% 的兒童傷亡是由無人機造成的。聯合國估計，2026 年 1 月至 4 月間，共有 880 名平民在這些襲擊中喪生。

The humanitarian situation is now critical, as over 11,000 people, including 5,500 children, were forced to flee their homes in just two weeks. UN officials emphasized that up to 500,000 civilians are at risk if a full-scale attack on the city begins. This situation is similar to the destruction seen in el-Fasher, where urban warfare led to the collapse of basic services. Furthermore, the damage to water and electricity networks, combined with fuel shortages, has made the population more likely to suffer from diseases like cholera.

人道主義局勢目前已達到危急狀態，在短短兩週內，有超過 11,000 人（包括 5,500 名兒童）被迫逃離家園。聯合國官員強調，若該市爆發全面進攻，高達 50 萬名平民將面臨風險。這種情況與在法許爾見到的破壞相似，當時的城市戰爭導致基本服務崩潰。此外，水電網絡的損壞加上燃料短缺，使得當地民眾更容易感染如霍亂等疾病。

Conclusion

The stability of North Kordofan remains uncertain. It depends on whether the current military build-up leads to a full ground attack or if the situation is improved through diplomatic talks.

北科多法州的穩定性仍然不確定。這取決於目前的軍備增強是否會導致全面地面進攻，或是能否透過外交談判改善局勢。

Vocabulary Learning

⚡ The 'Logic Jump': Moving from A2 to B2

At the A2 level, you describe the world using simple sentences: "The city is important. There is a war." To reach B2, you must connect ideas to show cause, effect, and contrast.

Look at this phrase from the text:

"Consequently, the SAF is trying to maintain control..."

The B2 Secret: Transition Words Instead of using "and" or "so" for everything, B2 speakers use "Connectors" to guide the reader. Let's analyze the high-level logic used in this article:

A2 Style (Simple)	B2 Style (Sophisticated)	Logic Type
So, the SAF wants control.	Consequently, the SAF is trying to maintain control.	Result
Also, the water is broken.	Furthermore, the damage to water networks...	Adding Information
It is like el-Fasher.	This situation is similar to the destruction seen in el-Fasher.	Comparison

🛠️ Practical Upgrade: "The Chain Reaction"

B2 fluency is about showing how one event leads to another. Look at this sequence from the text: Fuel shortages $\rightarrow$ Damage to networks $\rightarrow$ Likely to suffer from diseases.

To describe this, the author doesn't just list facts; they use the phrase "combined with."

Try this mental shift:

A2: "There is no fuel and no water. People are sick."
B2: "Fuel shortages, combined with damaged water networks, make the population more likely to suffer from diseases."

Quick Vocabulary Shift for the Bridge:

❌ Bad situation $\rightarrow$ ✅ Critical situation
❌ Many people $\rightarrow$ ✅ Widespread (used for patterns/attacks)
❌ Not sure $\rightarrow$ ✅ Remains uncertain

Vocabulary Learning

infrastructure (n.)

The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g., buildings, roads, power supplies) needed for the operation of a society.

Example:The government is investing millions to improve the city's aging infrastructure.

strategically (adv.)

In a way that relates to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests, often regarding military or political advantage.

Example:The army positioned its troops strategically to control the main highway.

consequently (adv.)

As a result of something that has happened.

Example:He failed to study for the exam; consequently, he did not pass.

documented (v.)

Recorded (something) in written, photographic, or electronic form.

Example:The journalist documented the effects of the war in her detailed reports.

casualties (n.)

People who are injured or killed in a war or accident.

Example:The hospital prepared for a high number of casualties following the explosion.

emphasized (v.)

Gave special importance or prominence to something in speaking or writing.

Example:The doctor emphasized the importance of drinking plenty of water during a fever.

urban warfare (n.)

Military combat that takes place in a built-up area, such as a city or town.

Example:Urban warfare is often more complex than open-field battles due to the presence of civilians.

uncertain (adj.)

Not able to be relied on; not known or definite.

Example:The future of the project remains uncertain until the funding is approved.

Practice B2 words in a crossword→