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What is happening in Sudan with the drone strikes?
In March 2026, Sudan experienced a deadly drone strike at Al Deain Teaching Hospital in East Darfur, killing at least 64 people and injuring 146 others. This attack is part of a broader pattern of violence since the civil war intensified in April 2023, with over 213 attacks on healthcare facilities reported. The conflict involves the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), both of which have been accused of targeting civilian infrastructure, including hospitals.
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How are hospitals like Al Deain Teaching Hospital affected?
Hospitals such as Al Deain Teaching Hospital have been severely damaged or destroyed by drone strikes and other attacks. The recent strike rendered the hospital non-functional, cutting off vital healthcare services for thousands of civilians. The destruction of medical facilities worsens the humanitarian crisis, leaving injured people without proper care and increasing the death toll in the region.
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Why are healthcare facilities targeted in Sudan's civil war?
Attacks on healthcare facilities in Sudan are believed to be part of the broader conflict strategy, with both sides accused of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure to weaken the opposition and create chaos. The use of powerful drones with wide-area impacts makes hospitals and clinics vulnerable, and these attacks violate international laws protecting medical facilities during conflict.
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What are the international responses to attacks on hospitals?
International organizations like the WHO and UN have condemned the attacks on healthcare in Sudan, calling for an immediate de-escalation of violence and protection of civilians and health workers. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has emphasized the scale of suffering caused by these attacks and urged all parties to respect international humanitarian laws. Many countries and human rights groups are also calling for accountability and an end to the violence.
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Who is responsible for the drone strikes in Sudan?
Both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF deny responsibility for the drone strikes, with each blaming the other. However, reports from sources like France 24 and The New Arab suggest that the Sudanese army routinely targets civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, using drones with wide-area impacts. The use of such powerful weaponry in populated areas raises serious concerns about the escalation of violence and the safety of civilians.
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What is the impact of these attacks on Sudan’s healthcare system?
The repeated targeting of healthcare facilities has crippled Sudan’s medical infrastructure, leaving many hospitals damaged or destroyed. This has led to a critical shortage of medical services, increased mortality rates, and a humanitarian crisis that affects millions. The WHO reports that over 82% of global deaths from healthcare attacks in 2025 occurred in Sudan, highlighting the severity of the situation.