Full Breakdown
Deadly Drone Attack on Kindergarten in Sudan's Kordofan Region
12/6/2025, 7:58:28 PM
Overview of the Attack
On December 5, 2025, a drone strike by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group, targeted a kindergarten in the town of Kalogi, South Kordofan, resulting in the deaths of at least 50 individuals, including 33 children. The Sudan Doctors' Network reported that paramedics at the scene were also hit in a subsequent attack. The RSF has been engaged in a violent power struggle against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since April 2023, leading to widespread devastation across the region.
Humanitarian Impact
The attack has drawn international condemnation, with UNICEF Representative for Sudan, Sheldon Yett, describing it as a "horrific violation of children’s rights." He emphasized that children should never be victims of conflict and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities to allow humanitarian aid access. The ongoing conflict has already resulted in over 40,000 deaths and displaced approximately 12 million people, according to the World Health Organization. However, aid organizations suggest that the actual death toll may be significantly higher due to communication blackouts and difficulties in reporting.
Official Responses
In response to the attack, the Sudanese foreign ministry condemned the RSF's actions, stating that the assault was carried out using drones and targeted civilian facilities, including the kindergarten and a hospital. The ministry urged the international community to take a firm stance against the RSF, advocating for its designation as a terrorist organization. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned that the Kordofan region could face new atrocities reminiscent of previous mass killings in el-Fasher, where the RSF has been accused of committing war crimes.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the RSF have highlighted the group's history of violence and human rights abuses throughout the conflict. Reports indicate that the RSF has engaged in forced recruitment of children, arbitrary detentions, and other forms of violence against civilians. The Sudanese military has also faced accusations of war crimes, complicating the narrative of accountability in the ongoing conflict.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies regarding the death toll from the Kalogi attack. While initial reports indicated 50 fatalities, other sources suggest that the number could be as high as 114, with many more injured. Communication blackouts in the region hinder accurate reporting, leaving the true extent of the tragedy unclear.
What's Next
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian situation in Sudan remains dire. The international community is urged to intervene and facilitate peace negotiations, although previous attempts have stalled. The RSF's recent actions, including the drone strike, indicate a potential escalation in violence, raising concerns about further civilian casualties and humanitarian crises in the region.
