What's happened
Drones have targeted markets, villages and civilian transport in Sudan's Kordofan and Darfur regions, killing and wounding dozens. Rights groups warn of a pattern of attacks on civilians and call for a humanitarian pause and accountability. The violence is contributing to what the UN calls the world’s largest displacement and hunger crisis.
What's behind the headline?
Context and trajectory
- Drones are central to escalating violence in multiple states, with repeated strikes on civilian sites.
- Civilian infrastructure and markets are repeatedly attacked, worsening hunger and displacement.
What this means for readers
- The toll on civilians is rising as attacks multiply, threatening supply routes and basic services.
- International attention and humanitarian truce calls are unlikely to stop the momentum without a comprehensive ceasefire and accountability.
Questions readers may ask
- Who is conducting the strikes, and how are civilians protected?
- What humanitarian access exists for relief workers?
How we got here
The conflict in Sudan has worsened since 2023 between the army and RSF. Drones have increasingly targeted civilian objects, markets, vehicles and settlements across North Kordofan, West Kordofan, South Darfur and Blue Nile. International actors have urged ceasefires and a political process, while humanitarian groups document rising civilian casualties and displacement.
Our analysis
All Africa, The New Arab, AP News, Al Jazeera, The Sudanese Emergency Lawyers group, Radio Dabanga, El Gezira Observatory for Human Rights, and other local rights groups report on drone strikes in Abu Zaeima, Ghubaysh, Kubum, El Obeid and surrounding areas. Each outlet provides casualty counts, locations and calls for humanitarian pauses. See individual pieces for direct quotes and context.
Go deeper
- What new casualties or displacements have emerged since the latest update?
- Are humanitarian corridors or truces being discussed with any outside actors?
- Which markets or civilian facilities remain most at risk and why?
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
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Sudan - Country in North Africa
Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southe
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United Nations - Intergovernmental organization
The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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North Kordofan - State of Sudan
North Kordofan is one of the 18 wilayat or states of Sudan. It has an area of 185,302 km² and an estimated population of 2,920,890. El-Obeid is the capital of the state. North Kordofan is generally arid and desert.