At least 28 civilians have lost their lives in Sudan following two separate drone strikes, highlighting the escalating brutality of the country's civil war. The strikes, which occurred in the North Darfur state and North Kordofan region, have sparked widespread condemnation and concern over the increasing use of drones in the conflict. The first strike hit a market in Saraf Omra, a remote town near the border with Chad, killing 22 people, including an infant, and injuring 17 others. The impact of the strike was devastating, with a parked oil truck catching fire and part of the market being destroyed.
The second strike targeted a truck carrying civilians on a highway in an army-controlled area of North Kordofan, resulting in the deaths of six people and injuring 10 others. The road, which runs through the state capital El Obeid and onwards to Darfur, has been a hotspot for drone attacks from both the army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has left over 11.6 million people displaced and has been described as the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The conflict has also resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people, with estimates ranging from 10,000 to over 400,000.
The Sudanese government and the RSF have been accused of committing atrocities, including the massacre of over 10,000 people in El Fasher in October 2025. The use of drones in the conflict has become increasingly deadly, with over 500 civilians killed by drones between January and March this year.
The international community is calling for an end to the violence and a ceasefire in Sudan. The situation remains dire, with huge swaths of the country at risk of famine.
The devastating drone strikes in Sudan are a stark reminder of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the country. The international community must take immediate action to prevent further loss of life and ensure that those responsible for these atrocities are held accountable. The Sudanese government and the RSF must be pressured to cease their use of drones and engage in meaningful dialogue to end the conflict. The world cannot afford to stand idly by as civilians continue to bear the brunt of this senseless violence.
