UN condemns deadly attack on relief convoy in North Darfur

SANAA, June 03 (YPA) – The World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) strongly condemned, on Tuesday, a horrific attack targeting their humanitarian convoy in North Darfur, which killed five people and burned several trucks carrying vital aid.

In a joint statement, the two organizations said that the convoy which consists of 15 trucks, was on its way to deliver food aid to civilians in the city of El Fasher when it came under armed attack last night, resulting in heavy casualties and the destruction of large quantities of relief supplies.

The statement emphasized that the convoy’s route had been pre-planned, and all relevant parties had been informed of its location and movements to avoid any risks.

The two agencies added that this attack constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and exposes humanitarian operations in the region to grave risks.

The United Nations renewed its call on all parties to the conflict in Sudan to respect the neutrality of humanitarian workers and ensure the safety of relief convoys, which represent a lifeline for millions of civilians trapped by war and lack of food and care.