Full Breakdown
Deadly Drone Strikes in Sudan Target Kindergarten and Hospital
12/8/2025, 2:01:53 AM
Overview of the Attack
On December 6, 2025, a series of drone strikes in the town of Kalogi, located in Sudan's South Kordofan region, resulted in significant casualties, including numerous children. The strikes reportedly targeted a kindergarten, a hospital, and individuals attempting to rescue victims. Essam al-Din al-Sayed, head of the Kalogi administrative unit, attributed the attacks to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their ally, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), led by Abdelaziz al-Hilu. The RSF has been engaged in a violent conflict with the Sudanese army since April 2023, which has led to tens of thousands of deaths and the displacement of nearly 12 million people.
Casualty Reports and Humanitarian Concerns
The United Nations children’s agency reported that the drone strikes resulted in the deaths of over 10 children aged between five and seven, while the Sudanese army-aligned foreign ministry claimed the total death toll reached 79, including 43 children. UNICEF Representative for Sudan, Sheldon Yett, condemned the attack as a "horrific violation of children’s rights," urging all parties to cease hostilities and allow humanitarian access. The Sudan Doctors Network indicated that the death toll could be higher due to communication blackouts in the region, complicating verification efforts.
Escalation of Violence
The RSF's offensive follows their capture of El-Fasher, the last stronghold of the Sudanese army in western Sudan, in late October 2025. This strategic move has allowed the RSF to push further into the oil-rich Kordofan region, which is divided into three states. Reports of mass killings, sexual violence, looting, and abductions have emerged since the fall of El-Fasher. UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk expressed concerns about a potential wave of atrocities in Kordofan, likening the situation to previous violent episodes in Sudan's history.
Accusations and Counterclaims
In the wake of the Kalogi attack, the RSF and the Sudanese army exchanged accusations regarding drone strikes across the country. The RSF alleged that the army conducted a drone strike on the Adre border crossing with Chad, a vital humanitarian route, while the army accused the United Arab Emirates of supplying the RSF through Chad—claims that UN experts have deemed credible, though Abu Dhabi has denied any support.
Broader Implications
The ongoing conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army has led to a humanitarian crisis, with over 40,000 people fleeing Kordofan in the past month alone. The situation remains dire, with aid groups warning that the true death toll may be significantly higher than reported. The international community, including the African Union and the United Nations, has called for ceasefires, but the recent attacks underscore the challenges in achieving peace in the region.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Killing children in their school is a horrific violation of children’s rights,” — Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative for Sudan
- “Children should never pay the price of conflict,” — Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative for Sudan
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
There are discrepancies in casualty figures, with the UN reporting over 10 child fatalities, while the Sudanese foreign ministry claims 43 children were killed. Additionally, the Sudan Doctors Network suggested the death toll could be as high as 116, indicating a lack of reliable communication and verification in the conflict-affected areas.
