Sudan Drone Strikes: 28 Civilians Killed in Latest Attacks Amid Civil War

At least 28 civilians have been killed in two separate drone strikes in Sudan, escalating the brutality of a civil war that is nearing its fourth year. The attacks, occurring on Wednesday, targeted a market in Saraf Omra, North Darfur, and a truck carrying civilians in North Kordofan, highlighting the increasing risk to non-combatants as the conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensifies.

Saraf Omra Market Attack: A Remote Community Under Fire

The strike in Saraf Omra, a town second in population only to El Fasher in North Darfur, killed 22 people, including an infant, and injured 17 more, according to a health worker at the local clinic. Hamid Suleiman, a trader at the market, described how a drone hit a parked oil truck, igniting a fire that spread through part of the market. The market serves a remote area close to the border with Chad, making it a vital lifeline for the surrounding communities. The identity of the drone operator remains unconfirmed, though the RSF has accused the Sudanese army of carrying out the attack. This incident follows a pattern of violence in Saraf Omra, which has been heavily affected by the ongoing Sudanese civil war, including reported massacres in November 2024 and a SAF drone strike in October 2025 that killed seven people at the main market. Saraf Omra has a population of approximately 200,000.

Kordofan Highway Strike: Escalating Violence in a Key Region

Simultaneously, another drone strike hit a truck carrying civilians on a highway in an army-controlled area of North Kordofan, approximately 500 miles east of Darfur. A hospital source in El Rahad reported six bodies arrived, three of them charred, along with 10 wounded. The RSF has been blamed for this attack, though this remains unconfirmed. This highway, running east to west through the state capital, El Obeid, and onwards to Darfur, has become a frequent target of drone attacks from both the army and the RSF, indicating a strategic focus on disrupting movement and supply lines in the region.

The Widening Humanitarian Crisis: A Nation on the Brink

These latest attacks are occurring against the backdrop of a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Civil war erupted on April 15, 2023, stemming from a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the RSF. Since then, more than 11.6 million people have been displaced, out of a population of roughly 51 million, according to UNHCR data. Aid organizations describe the situation as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with huge swathes of the country at risk of famine. Estimates of the total death toll range from tens of thousands to over 400,000, a grim testament to the scale of the conflict. The recent violence in El Fasher, where more than 10,000 people are believed to have been massacred by the RSF in October 2025, underscores the extreme brutality of the fighting.

Drone Warfare: A Rising Threat to Civilians

The United Nations has reported a sharp increase in civilian deaths caused by drone strikes this year, particularly in the Kordofan region. Marta Hurtado, the spokesperson for the UN high commissioner for human rights, stated that over 500 civilians were killed by drones between January 1 and March 15, 2026. This escalation in drone warfare is deeply concerning, as it demonstrates a disregard for civilian protection and a willingness to employ lethal force in populated areas. A particularly devastating example occurred on March 21, 2026, when a drone strike on a hospital in East Darfur killed 64 people and wounded 89, according to the World Health Organization. The Emergency Lawyers, a Sudanese group documenting civil war atrocities, attributed that strike to the army.

The RSF and SAF: Conflicting Narratives and Shifting Control

The Sudanese army, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti), were previously allies who jointly orchestrated a coup in 2021. The subsequent power struggle between the two generals ultimately led to the outbreak of the current conflict. The RSF initially controlled much of Khartoum and Darfur, but the army has since regained some ground. Although, the situation remains fluid, with both sides accused of targeting civilians and committing war crimes. The RSF accuses the Sudanese army of systematic bombing operations against civilians, targeting markets and residential areas in Darfur and Kordofan. The army, in turn, accuses the RSF of using civilians as human shields and looting resources. Darfur24 reports the RSF’s claims regarding the recent attacks.

Regional Implications and the Risk of Destabilization

The conflict in Sudan has significant regional implications. The country shares borders with seven other nations, including Chad, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, all of which are already facing their own security challenges. The influx of refugees from Sudan is straining resources in neighboring countries and exacerbating existing tensions. The instability in Sudan could create a vacuum for extremist groups to operate, posing a threat to regional security. The conflict too has the potential to disrupt trade routes and energy supplies, impacting the wider region. The Darfur region, in particular, has a history of conflict and instability, and the current fighting risks reigniting old grievances and fueling further violence.

What Happens Next: A Procedural Outlook

Immediate prospects for a ceasefire remain dim. International mediation efforts, led by the United States, Saudi Arabia, and the African Union, have so far failed to yield a lasting truce. The warring parties remain deeply entrenched in their positions and show little willingness to compromise. The UN Security Council has called for a cessation of hostilities and urged both sides to protect civilians, but its resolutions have been largely ignored. The focus now appears to be on providing humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict and documenting alleged war crimes. The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating allegations of atrocities committed in Darfur, and further investigations are likely to follow. Continued international pressure on both sides, coupled with a renewed commitment to mediation, will be crucial to preventing further escalation and finding a path towards a peaceful resolution. The UN’s special envoy for Sudan will likely continue shuttle diplomacy, attempting to secure localized ceasefires to allow for aid delivery, but a comprehensive political settlement remains distant.