Death toll mounts as deadly ambush claims UN aid workers lives in Sudan

A United Nations aid convoy came under violent attack overnight while attempting to deliver food into Sudan’s North Darfur region, specifically to the conflict-ravaged city of Al-Fashir.

The UNICEF spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, that the convoy included trucks from the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNICEF.

These vehicles were stationed in Al Koma, North Darfur, awaiting clearance to proceed to Al-Fashir when they were targeted.

Initial reports indicated that the assault resulted in multiple casualties, although the number of those injured or killed has not yet been confirmed.

The identity of the attackers remains unknown at the time of reporting.

The incident occurred amidst escalating insecurity in the region, where a two-year-long civil conflict has crippled humanitarian operations.

Al-Fashir, the capital of North Darfur, has been particularly affected, with reports of famine conditions due to a severe shortage of food and essential supplies.

The convoy was part of an emergency food relief effort intended to address the worsening humanitarian crisis.

Many of the recipients in Al-Fashir have not received regular aid due to persistent blockades and the volatile security situation.

In response to the attack, both UNICEF and the WFP have yet to issue detailed public statements, though internal communications have raised concerns about the growing risks to aid workers in the area.

The spokesperson did not identify any groups responsible for the violence but stressed that humanitarian agencies are operating under extremely dangerous conditions in Sudan.

Humanitarian convoys have been frequently targeted in conflict zones across Sudan, often delaying or completely halting aid delivery to the neediest populations.

Aid agencies have  continue to report looting, armed ambushes, and attacks on personnel.

The United Nations and international NGOs have repeatedly called for safe corridors to facilitate humanitarian access.

Despite these appeals, aid workers remain under threat in many parts of Darfur, especially in areas with contested control.

The attack on the convoy comes as the region faces a deepening hunger crisis, with local and international agencies warning that thousands could die if relief efforts are obstructed.

Al-Fashir, home to tens of thousands of internally displaced persons, remains largely cut off due to ongoing battles and the destruction of critical infrastructure.

Efforts to assess the full extent of the attack are ongoing.

The convoy has been withdrawn pending further security assessments, leaving thousands without their expected rations.

As of Tuesday, no group has claimed responsibility for the assault. Security officials in Sudan have not released any statement about the incident or the casualties reported.

The humanitarian community has renewed calls for the protection of aid workers and the establishment of secure routes for life-saving missions in Sudan’s conflict zones.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook