Drone Attack in Sudan Kills 24 Displaced Individuals, Including Children

On Saturday, a drone strike attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group in Sudan, targeted a vehicle carrying displaced families near the city of Rahad in North Kordofan province. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least 24 individuals, including eight children, as reported by the Sudan Doctors Network. Among the deceased children were two infants. The vehicle was transporting families who had fled violence in the Dubeiker area. Several others sustained injuries and were transported for medical treatment in Rahad, a region facing severe shortages of medical supplies.

Paramilitary RSF launches drone attack, killing dozens in Sudan, including children: doctors networkSudan drone attack kills 24 people, including eight childrenDrone attack by paramilitary group in Sudan kills at least 24, doctors' group saysSudan drone attack kills 24, including eight children

The RSF has been engaged in a power struggle against the Sudanese military for control of the country since April 2023, when tensions escalated into open conflict in the capital, Khartoum. This ongoing war has led to over 40,000 fatalities, according to United Nations estimates, although aid organizations suggest the actual number may be significantly higher. The conflict has created the world's largest humanitarian crisis, displacing over 14 million people and exacerbating food insecurity, with nearly half of Sudan's population facing acute food shortages.

Sudan drone attack kills 24, including eight children

The drone attack occurred just one day after a World Food Program (WFP) convoy was targeted in North Kordofan, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. Denise Brown, the UN humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, condemned the attack, emphasizing that such actions undermine efforts to provide essential food assistance to those in need. The WFP convoy was en route to deliver life-saving aid to displaced individuals in the city of Obeid when it was struck, leading to the destruction of the trucks and their cargo.

Drone attack by paramilitary group in Sudan kills 24, including 8 children, doctors’ group saysSudan drone attack kills 24, including eight childrenSudan drone attack kills 24 people, including eight childrenDrone attack by paramilitary group in Sudan kills at least 24, doctors' group says

The RSF has faced widespread condemnation for its actions. Emergency Lawyers, an independent organization documenting war crimes in Sudan, attributed the attack on the WFP convoy to the RSF, labeling it a violation of international humanitarian law. U.S. adviser for African and Arab affairs, Massad Boulos, expressed outrage on social media, calling for accountability for those responsible for the attack on humanitarian workers and the destruction of aid intended for vulnerable populations. British Minister for International Development and Africa, Jenny Chapman, described the attack on the WFP convoy as "disgraceful."

Drone attack by paramilitary group in Sudan kills 24, including 8 children, doctors’ group says

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a dire humanitarian situation, with disease outbreaks and famine conditions worsening in various regions, particularly in Kordofan and Darfur. A recent report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification indicated that famine conditions have spread to new areas, with projections of increased acute malnutrition among children and pregnant women in the coming years. Mohamad Abdiladif, country director for Save the Children in Sudan, highlighted the desperate measures families are taking to survive, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.

Drone attack by paramilitary group in Sudan kills 24, including 8 children, doctors’ group saysSudan drone attack kills 24, including eight childrenSudan drone attack kills 24 people, including eight children

• “Destroying food intended for people in need and killing humanitarian workers is sickening,” — Massad Boulos, U.S. Adviser for African and Arab Affairs

Drone attack by paramilitary group in Sudan kills 24, including 8 children, doctors’ group says

• “Attacks on aid operations undermine efforts to reach people facing hunger and displacement,” — Denise Brown, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan

Drone attack by paramilitary group in Sudan kills 24, including 8 children, doctors’ group says

• “Every day we hear devastating stories of parents selling the last of what they own simply to keep their children alive from one day to the next,” — Mohamad Abdiladif, Country Director for Save the Children in Sudan

Drone attack by paramilitary group in Sudan kills 24, including 8 children, doctors’ group says