Sudan: Drone strikes killed at least 306 people in three weeks

United Nations human rights officials reported that drone strikes attributed to both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces killed at least 306 people in three weeks. The attacks targeted homes, markets, hospitals, displacement camps, power stations, and water sources across Kordofan, Darfur, Blue Nile, Khartoum, and other states. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights noted that drones accounted for the majority of conflict-related civilian deaths in Sudan this year. Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, described the escalating use of unmanned aerial vehicles as deeply disturbing and exacting a horrifying toll on the population. The documentation reveals a troubling pattern of attacks on displacement sites where individuals had already fled the fighting. Between October 6 and October 10, strikes attributed to military government forces hit shelters for displaced people in Ghubeish and El Nuhud in West Kordofan. These incidents resulted in the deaths of at least 25 civilians, including women and children. On October 9, a drone strike attributed to the Rapid Support Forces hit a group of displaced people engaged in artisanal gold mining near a camp in Abu Shendi, Blue Nile State. At least 31 people died in that incident, most of whom were women and children. Further violence occurred on October 18 in Dibab, West Kordofan, an area controlled by the Rapid Support Forces militia. A transportation truck was struck in a double-tap repeat attack, killing at least 139 people. Markets and medical facilities also sustained heavy damage. An attack attributed to the Rapid Support Forces on Um Darfa hospital in Blue Nile on October 11 seriously injured two health workers and rendered the facility non-operational. Seif Magango, a spokesperson for the human rights office, stated that scores of civilians, including internally displaced persons, were killed while vital infrastructure was destroyed. This destruction drives further displacement and deepens the severe humanitarian crisis. Peacekeeping forces from the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei visited communities affected by a drone attack on October 19 in the disputed oil-rich region between Sudan and South Sudan. The strike hit Amiet Market and the Todach area, killing more than 80 people according to initial UN figures, though local officials later raised the count significantly. Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Farooq, commander of the mission’s Pakistani battalion, said UNISFA troops arrived first to find every shop burning. The mission deployed quick reaction and firefighting teams to contain the blaze and transported more than 27 injured individuals to its hospital in Todach. Angelina Musa Diaw, a trader and mother of three, reported losing her livelihood and possessions. She stated she had nothing left and needed assistance for herself and her children. Local authorities in Abyei provided higher casualty estimates. Yohana Akol Ngor, the caretaker information minister in Abyei, told reporters that the death toll reached at least 153, doubling the previous figure of 73. He claimed the Sudanese military was responsible for the attack, although no evidence was provided. Akol Ngor estimated that approximately 8,000 people were displaced by the bombing. South Sudanese officials also blamed the Sudanese army, stating the drone struck multiple locations around the market, including a fuel depot that caused a large fire difficult to control overnight. South Sudan summoned the Sudanese ambassador to protest the incident. Doctors Without Borders reported treating more than 20 wounded people at the nearby Ameth Bek hospital. Dr. Christian Lindauer, the organization’s medical activities manager, noted that several patients were in critical condition, and many suffered from burns. Satellite imagery captured the extensive damage caused by the fires following the strikes. The security situation in Abyei has deteriorated as fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces intensifies. Khartoum has accused the Rapid Support Forces of using the disputed region as a base. The United Nations Security Council issued a statement condemning the Abyei attack in the strongest terms. The body warned that the death toll was expected to rise as verification continued. It emphasized that attacks on civilians could constitute war crimes and demanded a full, transparent, and prompt investigation. The council called for those responsible to be held accountable. It reaffirmed that Abyei must remain demilitarized and free of all forces except UNISFA. Members urged all parties to cease military operations and occupation in the area and to cooperate with the mission to protect civilians, aid workers, and peacekeepers. Filippo Grandi called on the warring parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law. He specifically cited the prohibition against directing attacks at civilians and civilian objects. The High Commissioner urged both sides and their affiliates to commit to a ceasefire. He stressed that broader peace efforts must address the continued influx of arms fueling the conflict. He pressed for an end to the transfer of weapons used in disregard of protections for civilians, noting that a negotiated settlement requires human rights at its core.