WFP condemns Sudan airstrikes on two aid trucks near Dilling
Synopsis
Two clearly marked WFP food trucks were struck in an airstrike near Dilling, South Kordofan, destroying over 50 metric tonnes of food aid for 5,800 people. It is the eighth aerial attack on WFP operations in Sudan this year — a stark indicator of how systematically humanitarian access is being eroded in a conflict now entering its second year.
Key Takeaways
WFP condemned an airstrike on two of its marked trucks outside Dilling, South Kordofan , Sudan, on Sunday .
The attack destroyed more than 50 metric tonnes of food, enough to feed 5,800 people for one month.
WFP has recorded eight aerial attacks on its premises and operations in Sudan since the start of the year.
In Kadugli , WFP supports nearly 58,000 people facing emergency-level food insecurity.
Rights group Emergency Lawyers called for an immediate, independent investigation and accountability for those responsible.
Sudan's conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has continued since mid-April 2023 , displacing millions.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has strongly condemned an air attack on two of its clearly marked trucks outside Dilling, South Kordofan State, in southern Sudan on Sunday, while the vehicles were transporting food aid to Kadugli. The strike destroyed more than 50 metric tonnes of food — enough to provide lifesaving assistance to 5,800 people for one month.
The Attack and Immediate Impact
According to a WFP statement issued on Wednesday, the trucks were visibly identified with WFP banners and flags at the time of the strike. The agency said the attack represents the latest in a pattern of violence against humanitarian operations in the country.
Since the beginning of the year, WFP has recorded eight aerial attacks that damaged its premises and disrupted its operations across Sudan. The agency described the situation as an increasingly challenging operating environment for humanitarian agencies.
Scale of the Humanitarian Crisis in Kadugli
In Kadugli, WFP is currently supporting nearly 58,000 people facing emergency-level food insecurity or worse through in-kind food assistance. The destruction of the two trucks directly sets back relief efforts in a region already under severe strain.
Rights group Emergency Lawyers, a volunteer organisation, also condemned the attack, warning that targeting clearly marked humanitarian aid threatens both humanitarian operations and civilian lives. The group noted that restrictions on humanitarian access and attempts to control or block aid deliveries are worsening the crisis.
Compounding Pressures on Affected Communities
Beyond the conflict, Emergency Lawyers flagged that declining agricultural and livestock production, along with reduced rainfall, are increasing pressure on communities and raising the risk of a water crisis. The group called on all parties to remove restrictions on civilian access to food and aid, and to ensure assistance reaches those in need without discrimination or obstruction.
It further demanded an immediate, independent investigation into this attack and previous strikes on humanitarian assistance, and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
Sudan's Ongoing Armed Conflict
Sudan has been engulfed in an armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since mid-April 2023. The fighting has left thousands dead and millions displaced inside and outside the country, while severely exacerbating food insecurity and disrupting aid supply chains across the region.
WFP urged all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and protect civilians, humanitarian personnel, and assets, stressing that attacks on aid workers and humanitarian operations are unacceptable and must stop. With the conflict showing no sign of resolution, the risk to aid corridors — and to the millions depending on them — remains acute.
Point of View
Not caught in crossfire. The destruction of clearly marked trucks points to a fundamental breakdown in the distinction between civilian and military targets under international humanitarian law. What is missing from the international response is a credible accountability mechanism: condemnations accumulate, but no party to the Sudan conflict has faced meaningful consequences for attacking aid infrastructure. Until that changes, the cycle of attacks, statements, and inaction will continue — while millions go hungry.
NationPress
3 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the WFP trucks in Sudan?
Two WFP food trucks were struck in an airstrike outside Dilling, South Kordofan, on Sunday while transporting food aid to Kadugli. The attack destroyed more than 50 metric tonnes of food, enough to assist 5,800 people for one month.
How many aerial attacks has WFP recorded in Sudan this year?
WFP has recorded eight aerial attacks on its premises and operations in Sudan since the beginning of the year. The agency says these strikes have damaged its facilities and repeatedly disrupted humanitarian operations.
Who condemned the airstrike on the WFP trucks?
Both WFP and the volunteer rights group Emergency Lawyers condemned the attack. WFP urged all conflict parties to respect international humanitarian law, while Emergency Lawyers called for an immediate, independent investigation and accountability for those responsible.
How many people does WFP support in Kadugli?
WFP is currently providing in-kind food assistance to nearly 58,000 people in Kadugli who are facing emergency-level food insecurity or worse. The destruction of the two trucks directly impacts relief efforts in the area.
What is the background to Sudan's conflict?
Sudan has been in armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since mid-April 2023. The fighting has killed thousands, displaced millions, worsened food insecurity, and severely disrupted humanitarian aid supply chains.
