Drone Strikes in Sudan’s Kordofan Region Take a Toll on Civilians and Aid Operations

Drone strikes in Sudan’s Kordofan region have intensified in recent weeks, leaving a mounting toll on civilians and complicating already fragile humanitarian operations. Local authorities, aid workers, and independent observers report that the use of unmanned aerial weapons in populated areas has disrupted everyday life, displaced families, and hindered efforts to deliver food, medical supplies, and basic services.
Surge in Drone Activity
Residents and humanitarian agencies say that drone strikes—attributed to military forces and allied armed groups operating in Kordofan—have become more frequent and seemingly less discriminating in their targets. The strikes have hit villages, marketplaces, and roads used by civilians, leading to significant loss of life and property.
A spokesperson for a local community group described the mood in affected areas as one of fear and uncertainty. “People no longer feel safe even in their homes,” the spokesperson said. “We hear the hum of drones overhead, and every strike threatens a civilian area.”
Doctors and nurses at clinics in the region report treating increasing numbers of patients with injuries consistent with drone munitions, including shrapnel wounds, blast trauma, and burns. Hospitals operating with limited supplies are overwhelmed, forcing staff to ration care.
Impact on Humanitarian Operations
The drone strikes have severely disrupted humanitarian aid delivery. Convoys carrying food, water, and medical supplies have been forced to reroute or halt operations due to safety concerns. Aid groups operating in the region, including both Sudanese and international organizations, warn that the ongoing strikes are making it increasingly difficult to reach populations in need.
A senior aid official working in Kordofan said that the presence of active drone operations has made it nearly impossible to negotiate safe corridors. “When drones are present, vehicles and personnel are at risk,” the official said. “We cannot justify sending teams into areas where we have no guarantee of protection.”
The strikes have also driven displacement, compounding an already fragile situation. Families fleeing danger have sought shelter in makeshift camps, where overcrowding, poor sanitation, and a lack of services pose additional health risks.
Civilian Casualties
While accurate figures remain difficult to verify, local sources and humanitarian monitors estimate that dozens of civilians have been killed or injured in recent strikes. Among the victims are children and elderly residents who were not involved in any armed activity.
One survivor recounted how a drone strike hit a small market, killing relatives and neighbors who had gathered to buy basic supplies. “We were just trying to get food for our family,” the survivor said. “Then the explosion came. Everything changed in an instant.”
Human rights organizations have documented cases where drone strikes appear to have hit areas well outside active conflict zones, raising concerns about the standards used to select targets and the safeguards in place to protect civilians.
International and Regional Response
The escalation in drone strikes has drawn condemnation from human rights groups and diplomatic representatives. Calls for restraint and accountability have intensified, with some observers urging increased monitoring and reporting mechanisms to document potential violations of international humanitarian law.
However, external pressure has so far had limited impact on the conduct of military actors in the Kordofan region. Analysts note that the use of drones, including both surveillance and armed systems, has become a tactical preference for forces seeking to project power without exposing personnel.
Neighboring countries and regional organizations have expressed concern that instability in Sudan could have spillover effects, including increased refugee flows and cross-border tensions. Efforts to broker ceasefires or limited truces have repeatedly stalled, in part due to mistrust between combatants.
Humanitarian Challenges
Aid groups stress that the consequences of continued drone strikes extend beyond immediate casualties. Supply shortages, economic disruption, and psychological trauma are creating layers of long-term hardship. Children in affected areas face interrupted schooling, food insecurity, and increased vulnerability to disease.
A field coordinator for an international relief agency said that adapting to the changing security environment has required constant adjustments. “We are trying to innovate, adjust routes, and pre‑position supplies where possible,” the coordinator said. “But the unpredictability of drone strikes makes it extremely hard to plan effectively.”
Looking Ahead
As fighting and drone use continue, humanitarian needs are expected to grow. Observers warn that without a reduction in hostilities and meaningful diplomatic engagement, the conflict in Kordofan will continue to exact a heavy toll on civilians already struggling with poverty and displacement.
Human rights advocates insist that all parties to the conflict must respect international law and protect non‑combatants. Aid agencies are appealing for renewed diplomatic efforts, greater protection for humanitarian workers, and expanded mechanisms to document and respond to abuses.
The situation in Kordofan remains volatile, with no immediate end in sight to the drone strikes and their devastating impact on civilian life and relief operations. As the conflict unfolds, the toll on ordinary families and humanitarian responders alike continues to deepen.