How Sudan’s shift to drone warfare is fuelling a civilian crisis

Sudan's ongoing conflict, which began in April 2023, has seen a significant escalation in drone warfare by both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This shift in tactics, involving unmanned aerial strikes on supply lines and populated areas, has resulted in a devastating toll on civilians, with over 160 reported deaths in recent days. The SAF is reportedly targeting RSF command centers, supply routes, and depots, particularly in vast regions like Darfur, to weaken their opponent's capabilities and morale. Conversely, the RSF is accused of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure, such as airports and fuel stations, in response to battlefield losses. Both factions claim the other is responsible for civilian casualties and targeting markets and transportation hubs, exacerbating a crisis that has already displaced millions.

South Sudanese authorities report that Sudan's army launched a drone attack on Amiet Market in the disputed Abyei region, killing at least 153 people. The attack, which occurred on Monday, also wounded 20 individuals, some severely, according to Doctors Without Borders. South Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Sudan's ambassador, blaming the Sudanese military and calling for an end to actions endangering civilians. A Sudanese officer, speaking anonymously, claimed the army targeted fuel tankers destined for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), stating those killed were RSF members and fuel smugglers, not civilians. Unnamed diplomats suggested the strike hit a fuel depot used by the RSF. The UN condemned drone attacks in the area, noting civilian casualties but not attributing responsibility.

A drone strike on Amiet Market in Abyei, a disputed border region between Sudan and South Sudan, resulted in at least 153 fatalities. The attack, which occurred on Monday, also struck a nearby fuel depot, exacerbating the casualties and leading to a rising death toll as fires continued to burn. Yohanna Akol Ngor, the Abyei administration's caretaker information minister, attributed the strike to Sudan's military. A senior Sudanese military officer confirmed the army's involvement in the operation.

Sudan's army is accused of conducting drone strikes that killed over 200 people in West Kordofan and Abyei. In West Kordofan, 150 people died on Sunday evening, with sources reporting a truck carrying mourners and a market allegedly supplying fuel to the RSF were targeted. In Abyei, 73 people were killed Monday when drones hit a market, an attack a military source confirmed the army carried out, stating it was an RSF fuel supply site. This incident has heightened tensions between Sudan and South Sudan, who jointly administer Abyei, leading South Sudan to summon Sudan's ambassador. Drones are increasingly used in the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which has caused a severe humanitarian crisis.

Drone attacks across Sudan have resulted in over 160 civilian deaths in recent days, according to medics and rights groups. The escalating use of unmanned aircraft by both the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and government forces has led to increased civilian casualties. A particularly deadly attack on Sunday evening near a market in Al-Dibab town, West Kordofan, killed 80 people, with another 30 dying from injuries. The RSF's administration and Emergency Lawyers blamed the army for this incident. Other drone attacks have targeted infrastructure like the Atbara and Setit dams in Gadaref state and hit the RSF stronghold of Nyala in South Darfur, killing 17 people.

A drone strike on Sunday evening in al-Dibab, West Kordofan state, Sudan, killed 80 people, primarily commuters at a transport hub near a market. The attack, which occurred in two waves ten minutes apart, is one of the deadliest single incidents of the ongoing war. A witness reported burying 50 bodies, including his brother, while a medical source confirmed 30 more died from injuries, bringing the total to 80. The RSF-declared administration accused the army of carrying out the strike, though West Kordofan state is under RSF control. This incident highlights the escalating use of drones in the conflict, which began in April 2023 between the SAF and RSF.