What's happened
Drone attacks by the RSF and the Sudanese army have escalated in central Sudan, targeting government-held towns in North Kordofan. Hospitals and schools are damaged; civilians fear a broader escalation amid reports of a new drone campaign and international concerns over chemical weapons. The UN and human rights monitors warn of growing civilian harm while regional powers shape the conflict.
What's behind the headline?
Contextual snapshot
- The conflict has evolved from a bilateral struggle to a widened proxy-like confrontation with regional interventions shaping military options.
- Drone use has intensified, amplifying civilian harm in central states like North Kordofan.
- International attention centers on humanitarian access, potential chemical weapons allegations, and the strategic calculus of external actors.
What this means for readers
- Civilians face higher risk near frontlines; aid delivery is increasingly unreliable.
- The international community faces pressure to reassert diplomatic channels and constrain weapon proliferation.
Outlook
- Without a ceasefire, drone campaigns could become the default mode of warfare in contested zones, escalating displacement and casualties.
How we got here
The Sudanese conflict entered its fourth year with the RSF and the SAF fighting across Sudan’s frontline towns. Drone warfare has become a central tactic, with both sides deploying advanced unmanned systems. International bodies have warned of rising civilian casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis, while foreign actors and regional dynamics influence the war’s trajectory.
Our analysis
All Africa (multiple pieces) and The New Arab report on RSF drone strikes in North Kordofan; Al Jazeera coverage on UN visa discussions; Reuters-documented frontline damage; UN and US State Department statements cited in the All Africa and Al Jazeera summaries.
Go deeper
- What is the latest on humanitarian corridors for Sudan?
- Are there credible reports of chemical weapon use and what would trigger independent investigations?
- How are regional powers influencing the current phase of the conflict?
More on these topics
-
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
-
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.
-
Abdel Fattah al-Burhan - Chairman of the Transitional Military Council
Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah Abdelrahman al-Burhan is a Sudanese politician and Sudanese Army general who is currently serving as Chairman of the Sovereignty Council of Sudan, the country's collective transitional head of state.
-
United States - Country in North America
The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
-
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
-
Türkiye (Turkey) - Country in the Middle East
Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeastern Europe.
-
Egypt - Country
Egypt, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia by a land bridge formed by the Sinai Peninsula.