Sudan Drone Strikes Kill Over 1,000 Civilians in Five Months

Drone strikes killed more than 1,000 civilians in Sudan between January and May 2026, according to U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. Türk reported a sharp increase in drone warfare and sexual violence as the conflict between the military and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces enters its fourth year.

Türk told the Human Rights Council in Geneva that the conflict has expanded and escalated. He specifically noted that rape and sexual violence are now rampant across the country.

Why are drone attacks increasing in Sudan?

Warring parties are using explosive-laden drones supplied by their backers to target civilian infrastructure. These targets include hospitals, dams, schools, markets, and displacement camps, according to the U.N.

The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED) reported that at least 2,670 people, including combatants and civilians, died in 2025. This represented an 81% increase in drone attacks and a 600% increase in drone-related deaths compared to 2024.

Health officials reported a recent strike by the paramilitary group in the central city of el-Obeid. That attack hit a gas station and a cemetery, killing at least 15 people.

What is the humanitarian impact of the conflict?

The U.N. describes the situation as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Approximately 34 million people, or nearly two out of every three Sudanese citizens, now require assistance.

ACLED estimates that at least 59,000 people died over three years of fighting. The group noted the actual death toll is almost certainly higher due to reporting difficulties.

U.K. Minister for Africa and International Development Jenny Chapman called the use of drones to target aid workers and civilians “deplorable.” She stated the conflict is evolving and stressed the need to preserve evidence of abuses.

What could happen next in the Sudan war?

The conflict may continue to evolve as warring parties utilize more advanced unmanned aerial vehicles. This could lead to further degradation of civilian infrastructure like hospitals and schools.

The humanitarian crisis is likely to persist as long as the power struggle between the military and the Rapid Support Forces remains unresolved. Efforts to document atrocities may be a possible next step toward legal proceedings for crimes against humanity.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many civilians were killed by drones in early 2026?
According to U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, more than 1,000 civilians were killed by drone strikes between January and May 2026.

Which groups are fighting in the Sudanese conflict?
The war is a power struggle between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

How many people in Sudan need humanitarian aid?
The U.N. reports that about 34 million people need assistance.

How should the international community respond to the increasing use of drone warfare in civilian areas?