Series of Drone Attacks in War-Torn Sudan Leave Over 160 Dead

A series of drone attacks across various regions in war-torn Sudan has resulted in the deaths of more than 160 people, including women and children. This information has been confirmed by medical personnel and local human rights organizations. In recent days, these lethal strikes have targeted civilian gatherings and shelters. According to the human rights group 'Emergency Lawyers' and medical sources, three children were killed in separate attacks in the capital, Khartoum. However, the deadliest incident occurred at a transport hub in the town of Al-Dibab, in West Kordofan state, where drones dropped bombs on civilians who were waiting to return home following a weekly market. According to the organization, 80 people were killed instantly at the scene in Al-Dibab. Another 30 people died after 47 critically injured individuals were transported to the nearby town of Al-Muzliyad. Both the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and human rights activists have blamed the national army for this attack.

Meanwhile, monitoring groups reported that a drone attack carried out by the RSF in Blue Nile state—located along the Nile River—resulted in the deaths of 41 displaced persons. In a separate incident in the city of Nyala, South Darfur, 17 people—including seven RSF personnel—were killed, and at least 23 others were sustained injuries. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, has strongly condemned the ongoing drone attacks against civilians across Sudan, emphasizing the urgent need to ensure the safety of civilians in the conflict-ridden regions. This bloody conflict began in April 2023, following a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. The protracted civil war has claimed approximately 59,000 lives and displaced more than 13 million people. Amidst this dire situation, efforts to expand an arms embargo have faced continued disagreement within the UN Security Council.