At Least 160 Killed in Devastating Drone Attacks Amid Sudan’s Civil War, Including Women and Children
Khartoum, Sudan | October 20, 2026 | The Global Journal
Drone attacks have intensified dramatically amid the ongoing civil war between Sudan’s regular armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). More than 160 people have reportedly been killed in a series of deadly drone strikes across different parts of the country in recent days. The victims include large numbers of civilians, including women and children. Al Jazeera reported the death toll on Monday, October 19, citing doctors, humanitarian organizations and human rights activists.
Deadly Strike in West Kordofan Kills Around 110
One of the deadliest recent attacks occurred on the evening of Sunday, October 18, in Al-Dibibat, in Sudan’s southwestern state of West Kordofan. A drone struck a transportation hub near a local market, causing heavy casualties.
Villagers had gathered at the transport center to wait for vehicles to take them home after the weekly market. The drone struck while they were waiting. According to preliminary reports, at least 80 people were killed at the scene, while approximately 30 more died later while receiving treatment in hospital. The reported death toll from the attack reached around 110.
The human rights group Emergency Lawyers and local sources blamed Sudan’s military air force for the attack. However, responsibility for the strike and the full circumstances surrounding it require independent verification.
Drone Attacks Reported in Blue Nile and Other Regions
Drone strikes have also been reported in the capital, Khartoum, South Darfur and Blue Nile state, which borders Ethiopia. According to local sources, 41 people were killed in a drone attack targeting a gathering of displaced people in the Blue Nile region.
Reports have also indicated that the eastern Sudanese area of Atbara and the Setit Dam were targeted in drone attacks. The reported strikes have raised further concerns about civilian safety, critical infrastructure and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Growing Drone Use Increases Risks to Civilians
Sudan’s civil war began in April 2023 and has evolved into a prolonged conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. Both sides have increasingly used drones in recent months, heightening the risks to civilians, particularly in populated areas.
Under international humanitarian law, parties to an armed conflict must distinguish between civilians and military targets and refrain from indiscriminate attacks. Independent investigations are essential to establish the circumstances of the reported strikes, identify those responsible and determine whether international humanitarian law was violated.
Guterres Condemns Attacks as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned the continuing drone attacks and expressed deep concern, according to the report.
The prolonged conflict has left Sudan facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. According to the figures cited in the report, approximately 13 million people have been displaced, while more than 17 million children are experiencing severe food insecurity. Continued fighting, shortages of food and medical supplies, and obstacles to humanitarian aid are worsening conditions for millions of families.
The United States has urged the UN Security Council to pursue a humanitarian ceasefire and expand the arms embargo across Sudan in an effort to address the escalating crisis.
Halting the drone attacks, protecting civilians and ensuring unimpeded humanitarian access remain major challenges for the international community. Without an effective ceasefire and meaningful progress toward a political settlement, Sudan’s humanitarian catastrophe could deteriorate further.
Source: Al Jazeera | October 20, 2026 | The Global Journal
