In late August, Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International investigated the indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas in the Nuba Mountains region of Southern Kordofan. The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) conducted 13 air strikes, killing at least 26 civilians and injuring more than 45 others since mid-June. The researchers also witnessed government planes circling over civilian areas and dropping bombs, forcing civilians to seek shelter in mountains and caves. Additionally, the government has prevented aid groups from delivering food and other assistance to more than 150,000 displaced people in areas under control of opposition forces.