Sudan Conflict: Drone Strikes Kill At Least 880 Civilians

At least 880 civilians were killed in drone strikes in Sudan between January and April, according to the UN rights office. The strikes, carried out by both Sudan's Army and the Paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces, have intensified across the country in recent months.

The UN rights chief, Volker Turk, warned that the conflict is on the cusp of entering a new, even deadlier phase, with the growing use of drones allowing fighting to continue unabated in the rainy season.

The majority of civilian deaths attributed to drone strikes were recorded in the Kordofan region and Darfur, with recent strikes on May 8 killing 26 civilians and injuring others.

The rights office reported that belligerents have used drones to repeatedly strike civilian objects and infrastructure, diminishing access to sufficient food, clean water, and health care. The situation is being exacerbated by fertiliser shortages linked to the West Asia war, with much of the country facing an increased risk of famine and acute food insecurity.

The UN rights office will continue to monitor the situation, with the rights chief warning that heightened violence will disrupt the provision of critical humanitarian assistance. The international community is expected to respond to the escalating conflict, with potential diplomatic efforts to be announced in the coming weeks.