Attack on Sudanese Hospital Leaves 64 Dead Amid Ongoing Conflict

On March 20, 2026, a strike on the Al Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur, Sudan, resulted in the deaths of at least 64 individuals, including 13 children, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The attack also injured 89 people, including eight healthcare workers, and rendered the hospital non-functional, severely disrupting essential medical services in the region. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the violence, stating, “Health care should never be a target. Peace is the best medicine.”

Attack on Al-Deain hospital in Sudan killed 64 people, including children - WHO64 killed in Sudan hospital attack: WHO64 killed, including 13 children in strike on Sudan hospital - WHOOver 60 killed in attack on Sudan Hospital, says WHOTRT WorldExpress Tribune

The attack is part of a broader humanitarian crisis that has unfolded since April 2023, when a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalated into full-scale war. This conflict has led to the deaths of over 40,000 people, according to United Nations estimates, although aid organizations suggest the actual toll may be significantly higher. The RSF has been implicated in numerous atrocities, with UN experts labeling some actions as genocide.

Sudan Hospital Attack Kills 64, Including 13 Children, WHO Reports Amid Escalating Conflict

Both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces have denied responsibility for the hospital strike, each blaming the other. The RSF accused the military of conducting the attack, while military officials claimed the strike targeted a nearby police station. This incident is part of a troubling pattern, as the WHO has documented over 2,000 fatalities linked to attacks on healthcare facilities since the conflict began, with 213 such incidents reported.

NPR

In response to the attack, Tedros emphasized the urgent need for de-escalation, stating, “Enough blood has been spilled. Enough suffering has been inflicted.” The WHO has been working to support local health partners in addressing the immediate medical needs resulting from the attack and has called for international attention to the ongoing crisis.

France 24

Human rights groups, such as the Emergency Lawyers, have criticized both sides for their roles in the violence, particularly the targeting of healthcare facilities. They reported that the recent attack was attributed to an army drone strike, highlighting the increasing use of aerial assaults in the conflict.

The Guardian

The ongoing violence has not only resulted in immediate casualties but has also exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with over 12 million people displaced and millions facing hunger. The conflict has disrupted access to healthcare, leading to a significant increase in mortality rates and undermining efforts to provide life-saving care.

The Hindu

While the WHO confirmed the attack and its consequences, the exact circumstances surrounding the strike remain unclear, with conflicting accounts from both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces. This ambiguity complicates the international community's understanding of the situation and the accountability for such attacks.

The Guardian

The strike on the Al Daein Teaching Hospital underscores the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, where healthcare facilities have become frequent targets in a brutal conflict. As the death toll from attacks on medical infrastructure surpasses 2,000, the need for a resolution to the conflict and protection for civilians remains critical.

Express Tribune