Full Breakdown
Drone Strike on Mosque in Sudan's Kordofan Region Kills Children
2/12/2026, 1:16:30 PM
Overview of the Incident
A drone strike on a mosque in El Rahad, North Kordofan, Sudan, resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 13 others. The attack occurred early Wednesday as the children were attending a Quran lesson, according to the Sudan Doctors Network, which monitors the ongoing civil conflict in the region. The paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been identified as the perpetrator of the strike.
Context of the Civil War
The civil war in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has seen escalating violence between the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces. This conflict arose from tensions between former allies who were supposed to oversee a democratic transition following a 2019 uprising. The World Health Organization estimates that the fighting has resulted in at least 40,000 deaths and displaced approximately 12 million people. The RSF's drone strikes have increasingly targeted civilian infrastructure, including places of worship.
Pattern of Attacks
The Sudan Doctors Network has characterized the drone strike on the mosque as part of a "systematic pattern" of attacks on religious sites, which they argue demonstrates a blatant disregard for international humanitarian law. More than 15 mosques and over 165 churches have been reported damaged or destroyed since the onset of the conflict. The RSF has previously targeted other religious buildings, including a church in Khartoum and another mosque in el-Fasher.
Official Responses
The United Nations has condemned the recent series of drone strikes, highlighting their impact on civilian infrastructure across Kordofan. UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric noted that these attacks have resulted in significant civilian casualties, with over 90 deaths and 142 injuries reported between late January and early February 2026. The UN has warned that the civil war is expanding from western Darfur into the Kordofan region, raising concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses to the drone strike described the scene as chaotic, with many students injured. Ahmed Moussa, an eyewitness, reported seeing numerous injured children following the attack on the mosque, which served as a traditional religious school. The RSF's ongoing military operations in the Kordofan region are part of their strategy to regain control over key areas, including routes vital for military logistics.
Criticism of the RSF
Critics of the RSF have pointed to the drone strike as a clear violation of humanitarian principles, emphasizing the need for accountability for such actions. The Sudan Doctors Network's statement condemning the attack reflects broader concerns about the RSF's tactics and their implications for civilian safety in conflict zones.
Conflicting Reports
While the Sudan Doctors Network reported two fatalities, other sources indicated that the number of injured may vary, with some reports citing 12 injuries instead of 13. This discrepancy highlights the challenges in obtaining accurate information amid the ongoing conflict.
What's Next
As the situation in Sudan continues to evolve, further investigations into the RSF's actions and their impact on civilian populations are anticipated. The international community remains watchful of developments in the Kordofan region, where the humanitarian crisis is deepening.
