Drone warfare kills over 1,000 in Sudan in 2026 as strikes multiply: UN

The United Nations reports that over 1,000 civilians have been killed in drone strikes in Sudan during the first five months of 2026. This significant death toll is attributed to a sharp increase in drone warfare amid the country's ongoing civil war, as stated by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The conflict, which began in April 2023 between Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces, has escalated and spread across the nation. The UN also highlighted rampant sexual violence, including rape, alongside the drone strikes. Sudan is currently experiencing the world's worst humanitarian and displacement crisis, with millions in need of assistance and food.

Drone strikes have killed over 1,000 civilians in Sudan in the first five months of 2026, according to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk. His office has documented a sharp increase in drone attacks and sexual violence in the ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023. Data from ACLED indicates a significant rise in drone-related deaths and attacks in 2025 compared to 2024. Both warring parties are increasingly using drones, which have become the deadliest threat to civilians, targeting infrastructure and causing a major humanitarian crisis. The conflict has also been marked by atrocities amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.