Escalating Drone Strikes in Sudan's Civil War

In the ongoing civil war in Sudan, a series of drone strikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties. On March 25, 2026, a drone attack targeted a market in Saraf Omra, North Darfur, killing at least 22 individuals, including an infant, and injuring 17 others. The drone struck a parked oil truck, igniting a fire that spread through the market, according to Hamid Suleiman, a vendor at the site. The attack is part of a broader pattern of escalating violence in the region, with both the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) conducting near-daily drone strikes.

Double drone strikes in Sudan kill 28, including 22 at Darfur marketThe Guardian

The civil war in Sudan began on April 15, 2023, following a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the RSF. This conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, displacing over 11.6 million people from a population of approximately 51 million. Reports indicate that the war has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, with estimates of fatalities ranging from tens of thousands to over 400,000. The RSF has been implicated in numerous atrocities, including a massacre in El Fasher in October 2025, where more than 10,000 people were reportedly killed over two days.

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The use of drones has intensified in the conflict, with both sides targeting key infrastructure and civilian areas. Between January 1 and March 15, 2026, over 500 people were killed by drone strikes, according to Marta Hurtado, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. A particularly deadly strike on March 20, 2026, targeted a hospital in East Darfur, resulting in 64 deaths and 89 injuries, further highlighting the indiscriminate nature of these attacks.

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Medical sources at local hospitals have attributed the recent attacks to the RSF, although the ambiguity surrounding the drone operators complicates accountability. The Emergency Lawyers, a Sudanese organization documenting civil war atrocities, reported that the drone responsible for the hospital strike was an army drone. This conflicting information underscores the chaotic environment in which these strikes occur.

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Human rights organizations have condemned the use of drone strikes in civilian areas, calling for accountability and protection for non-combatants. Critics argue that the ongoing violence exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, with millions at risk of famine and displacement. The international community has been urged to intervene and address the escalating violence in Sudan.

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There are discrepancies in casualty figures reported by different sources. While some reports indicate that six bodies were recovered from the market attack, others suggest higher numbers. Additionally, the exact operators of the drones remain unclear, with both the army and RSF being blamed for various strikes.

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As the conflict continues, the situation in Sudan remains dire, with humanitarian organizations warning of worsening conditions. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, and further investigations into the drone strikes and their impact on civilians are anticipated.

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