What's happened
Sudan's armed forces have used drones to strike towns across South Kordofan, East Darfur and West Kordofan, killing and injuring civilians. The UN tallies drone-related deaths since January at hundreds, as rights groups warn of escalated danger to civilians amid shifting oil-related interests and ongoing fighting.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- The escalating drone campaign is broadening civilian harm across multiple states, complicating humanitarian access.
- Rights groups are foregrounding civilian safety while international actors weigh in on arms transfers and potential restrictions.
- The conflict's intersection with oil facilities adds a strategic layer: disrupting energy infrastructure could influence regional dynamics and relief efforts.
- Readers should watch for shifts in ceasefire negotiations or new UN or regional responses that could alter the humanitarian outlook.
Forecast: If drone strikes persist, civilian displacement and aid disruption will intensify, pressuring neighbouring states and international partners to escalate protective measures and diplomatic engagement.
How we got here
Drones have become a central weapon in Sudan's war between the military and the RSF. In December, a separate oil-security deal shaped cross-border dynamics, with South Sudan promising protection for Heglig facilities. Reports of drone attacks and civilian harm have surfaced since early 2026, intensifying calls for protective measures for civilians and critical aid access.
Our analysis
- All Africa: reporting on SAF drone strikes in Kauda, El Daein, Babanusa and Ed Daein; UN casualty estimates. - AP News: Emergency Lawyers reporting on Ghubaysh market strike and broader humanitarian toll; RSF control in West Kordofan. - Al Jazeera: Mali context referenced for regional security dynamics and external mercenary involvement.
Go deeper
- How are civilians in affected towns managing access to food and medical care?
- What is the latest on UN and regional responses to the drone campaign?
- Could there be a new ceasefire or oil-related negotiations affecting the conflict?
More on these topics
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Sudanese Armed Forces - Military
The Sudanese Armed Forces are the military forces of the Republic of the Sudan. During the 39-month transition to democracy that started in September 2019, the August 2019 Draft Constitutional Declaration defines the Supreme Commander of the Sudanese Arme