Communities in Dilling and Kadugli in the south are trapped in “siege conditions,” according to children’s agency UNICEF. Additionally, there have been reports of sustained attacks in recent days in West Kordofan.

Meanwhile, the situation in and around El Fasher – which UN relief chief Tom Fletcher called a “potential crime scene” following its capture by militia fighters, during his visit last month — remains dire. Civilians attempting to escape continue to face grave risks along unsafe routes.

“We cannot stress enough that civilians wishing to flee must be afforded safe passage, and they must be able to access humanitarian assistance,” said UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric at the daily briefing.