Drone strikes in Sudan leave more than 160 dead, monitors say
Medics and rights groups say a recent wave of drone attacks in Sudan has killed over 160 people. In Khartoum, three children died on Monday, while the deadliest strike hit a transport hub near a market in West Kordofan, killing 80 people. Both the army and the Rapid Support Forces have been accused of using drones in the conflict, which has increased civilian casualties.
The war began in April 2023 after Sudan’s military leader and the RSF commander clashed over plans to merge the paramilitary group into the army. It is now in its fourth year. ACLED has counted at least 59,000 deaths, though aid groups say the real toll is probably higher.
The UN says about 13 million people have been displaced. This year, 33.7 million people, among them 17.3 million children, need food support, and roughly 825,000 children face severe acute malnutrition. The UN also condemned recent deadly drone strikes, warning they harm civilians and disrupt essential services.
The escalation may deepen civilian suffering, especially in Khartoum, West Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Darfur, where families, displaced people, and children face injury, death, and disrupted transport or services. Repeated drone attacks could further strain hospitals, aid access, and markets, while fear may drive more displacement. Because both warring sides are accused of using drones, communities may feel unsafe in both army- and RSF-held areas.