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UNICEF Reports Over 300 Children Killed in Sudan War in First Half of 2026
The U.N. children's agency said more than 300 children died in Sudan during the first six months of the year, with most deaths attributed to drone strikes. The conflict between the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces has continued since April 2023.
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The U.N. children's agency reported Monday that more than 300 children have been killed in Sudan during the first six months of the year, with most deaths resulting from drone strikes. Sudan has been engaged in a war between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 2023. The fighting is now concentrated in Kordofan, Darfur, and Blue Nile states.
Drone warfare accounts for 60 percent of casualties, according to the agency. The conflict has killed at least 59,000 people overall and displaced some 13 million. More than 30 million people require humanitarian assistance, and many areas face famine conditions. Drone strikes and shelling have struck schools, markets, fuel stations, and water facilities, placing over 500,000 people at risk.
The U.N., U.S., U.K., and other governments have expressed concern about potential atrocities as the Rapid Support Forces and military contest control of el-Obeid in North Kordofan. Civilians in affected areas have endured near-siege conditions for more than a year.
“Children are being caught in a relentless cycle of violence, displacement and deprivation." — Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative for Sudan The U.N. called on the parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, allow safe humanitarian access, and take measures to shield children from harm.”
