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A devastating attack by Sudanese paramilitaries on South Kordofan has claimed the lives of at least 14 people, including five children and two women, according to a medical group. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their allies in the Sudan People's Liberation Movement–North launched a hours-long assault on residential areas in the city of Dilling, leaving at least 23 others wounded, including seven children.The Sudan Doctors Network reported that the attack was part of a larger conflict that has ravaged the region. The military, which recently broke an RSF siege on the city, said it successfully fended off the attack on the capital of South Kordofan province.The doctors' group warned of a possible “catastrophic scenario” similar to the one that occurred in the Darfur city of el-Fasher. The RSF's invasion of el-Fasher in October was marked by “hallmarks of genocide”, according to UN-commissioned experts. More than 6,000 people were killed over three days in el-Fasher when the RSF unleashed a wave of intense violence.The war between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which began in mid-April 2023, has led to one of the world's fastest-growing man-made humanitarian crises. Over 12 million people have been forced from their homes, and more than 33 million people are in need of humanitarian aid. According to UN figures, more than 40,000 people have been killed over the past three years, although aid groups believe the true death toll could be significantly higher.Both sides have been accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, which are being investigated by the International Criminal Court. The fighting has recently centered on Darfur and the Kordofan region, with deadly drone attacks reported daily. The UN Human Rights Office reported that more than 500 civilians were killed in drone strikes this year as of mid-March.

In the midst of Israel's ongoing offensive in Lebanon, mothers are facing unprecedented challenges in raising their newborn babies. The conflict has created a precarious environment, affecting access to essential healthcare and basic necessities for infant care.The situation highlights the resilience and adaptability of mothers in conflict zones, who continue to prioritize their children's health and well-being despite the adversity. However, the impact of such conflicts on maternal health and infant care cannot be overstated, with potential long-term consequences for the affected populations.Efforts to support these mothers, including access to medical care and humanitarian aid, are crucial in mitigating the effects of the conflict on the most vulnerable populations.

Mexico's Navy and the United States Coast Guard are conducting a search for two missing sailboats that were part of a humanitarian convoy to Cuba. The vessels, which departed from Isla Mujeres in Mexico on March 20, were expected to arrive in Cuba on Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. Nine people were on board the two sailboats, which were organised by the Nuesta America Convoy. The convoy has accused the US government of 'strangling' Cuba by cutting off fuel, flights, and critical supplies for survival. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel expressed anxiety about the fate of the boats, stating that Cuba is doing everything possible to search for and rescue those on board. The US Coast Guard initially reported that the boats had been located, but later retracted the statement. Search efforts are currently being led by Cuba and Mexico, but the US Coast Guard has stated that it is prepared to provide support if requested. The convoy comes in response to worsening humanitarian conditions in Cuba, which has largely been cut off from foreign oil supplies since January. The US has imposed an oil blockade on Cuba, which has led to a humanitarian crisis on the island. The blockade was tightened by the Trump administration, which has signalled its desire for regime change in Cuba. Mexico and other countries have increased their humanitarian aid to Cuba amid the crisis, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum sending ships laden with supplies. The Nuestra America Convoy initially sent several ships to Cuba last Friday, with one arriving safely in Havana on Tuesday with 14 tonnes of food and medicine.

A humanitarian aid flotilla, dubbed the 'Nuestra America' or 'Our America' convoy, has arrived in Cuba to alleviate the island nation's struggles amid a severe US energy blockade. The first vessel, carrying approximately 30 people, along with essential supplies such as food, medicine, solar panels, and bicycles, docked in Havana, the capital city.The convoy set out from Mexico last week and is part of a broader effort to support Cuba, which has been facing widespread blackouts and an economic crisis due to the US embargo that has been in place for decades. The energy restrictions have significantly impacted Cuba, cutting off vital economic lifelines and contributing to the current crises.US President Donald Trump's administration has been vocal about its desire for regime change in Cuba, using energy restrictions as a tool to further degrade the Cuban economy. The US blockade has resulted in a nearly total ban on petroleum imports over the last three months, exacerbating the island's energy woes.Cuba's Deputy Minister of Energy and Mines, Argelio Abad Vigo, stated that the island, which produces only about 40 percent of the fuel it needs, has gone for three months without access to vital supplies of diesel, fuel oil, petrol, jet fuel, and liquefied petroleum gas. A February YouGov poll found that 46 percent of people in the US disapprove of the energy blockade, while 28 percent support it.The humanitarian aid effort, though described as 'a drop in an ocean of need,' represents a gesture of solidarity with the Cuban people. The convoy's arrival and the participation of over 650 participants from 33 countries who arrived on the island last weekend, demonstrate international support for Cuba during this challenging time.