‘Ruqaya Broke Iraqis’ Hearts’: Halabja Mourns Karbala Girl

El-Obeid, known as the "Bride of the Sands," has been plunged into darkness after a drone strike hit its main power station. This blackout is the latest blow to residents already enduring weeks of intense pressure and fear. Heavy drone attacks have killed more than 40 civilians and wounded dozens in recent days, according to local sources. The strikes have also targeted fuel stations, supply trucks, and civilian and military sites, creating an atmosphere of constant anticipation and dread.

Residents now track the movement and sound of drones more closely than they follow news updates. Many have reduced their movements or stayed indoors, fearing sudden attacks. These fears are amplified by the memory of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, which fell to the RSF last year after a prolonged siege. El Fasher has become a grim reference point for discussions about el-Obeid's fate as attacks intensify.

El-Obeid's strategic significance cannot be overstated. Located about 411 km from Khartoum, it serves as the primary link between Darfur and central Sudan. It hosts the headquarters of the army's 5th Infantry Division and is a vital hub for trade, transport, and supplies, connecting western Sudan to the east via roads and railway lines. Its political and administrative importance in Kordofan further solidifies its role as a key target in the conflict between the army and the RSF, representing a crucial defensive line for central Sudan.