UN Reports At Least 880 Civilian Deaths From Drone Strikes in Sudan, January–April 2026

At least 880 civilians died in drone strikes across Sudan between January and April 2026, accounting for more than 80 per cent of all civilian deaths linked to the conflict in that period. Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, addressed the 55th session of the Human Rights Council on the human rights situation in Sudan on 12 May 2026 with those figures.

He said armed drones are "the principal cause" of civilian casualties in Sudan.

The Kordofan region recorded the highest number of drone strike casualties between January and April 2026. On 8 May 2026, drone strikes in South Kordofan's El Goz locality in Dibebad and near El Obeid in North Kordofan killed 26 civilians. Marketplaces suffered at least 28 attacks and 12 drone strikes targeted health facilities during the four months, forcing hospitals and clinics to close or severely limiting their operations.

Drone strikes have spread from Darfur and Kordofan to Blue Nile, White Nile, and Khartoum. A drone strike hit Khartoum International Airport on 4 May 2026. Khartoum and Omdurman came under repeated drone attack between 25 April and 5 May 2026.

Türk warned that continued impunity would only fuel further civilian deaths. He urged prevention of the transfer of advanced drones and weapons to all parties in the Sudan conflict. AllAfrica reported that Türk described the conflict as approaching a "catastrophically bloodier phase" as armed drones allow military operations to continue despite the approaching rainy season.

In Delling, capital of South Kordofan, artillery shelling by the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement North led by Abdelaziz El Hilu killed at least 10 civilians and injured dozens on 12 May 2026. The shelling struck the old motor park, a densely populated civilian area.

Shells fired from the western side of Delling caused the casualties, a relative of one of the victims told Radio Dabanga.

The Delling Emergency Coordination Council condemned the 12 May 2026 artillery attack, calling it a serious violation of human rights law. The council said the bombardment damaged residential neighbourhoods and worsened the suffering of residents already facing severe hardship. An artillery strike on Delling on 10 May 2026 killed one person and injured five others.

RSF fighters claimed control over a key supply route to Kadugli. The Sudanese Armed Forces announced they had taken control of El Takma on the road between Habila and Delling. Military tensions around the city continue to escalate.

A fire broke out in a displacement camp in Katur village, Tawila locality, North Darfur, on Saturday 10 May 2026, destroying 33 shelters and damaging seven homes. A second fire erupted in another camp in Tawila, North Darfur, on Sunday 11 May 2026, destroying around 42 homes.

The International Organisation for Migration reported that affected families urgently need tents, shelter materials, food, clothing, blankets, and water and sanitation supplies.

In Nyala, South Darfur, the state Ministry of Social Affairs launched a programme to support 50 women traders whose businesses were destroyed by drone strikes and fires. The 50 women traders in Nyala received cash assistance. Officials in Nyala announced plans for a second phase of support targeting another 100 women.

Drone strikes on 12 May 2026 in El Geneina, West Darfur, targeted a medicines warehouse and a passenger vehicle. Previous drone attacks on a market near the Adkong border crossing area with Chad caused additional casualties. In Karnoi, North Darfur, a drone strike burned three vehicles and injured seven people.