United Nations Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has issued a stark warning following reports of more than 50 civilian deaths in Sudan this week, as drone strikes escalate in the country's nearly three-year conflict. The attacks, which occurred between February 15 and 16, targeted markets, displacement shelters, and schools across four states in the Greater Kordofan region.
Civilian Infrastructure Under Fire
According to UN reports, 28 civilians died in a suspected Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) drone strike at Al Safiya market in North Kordofan on Sunday. The following day, 26 people were killed at a displacement shelter in Al Sunut, West Kordofan, while paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted two primary schools in South Kordofan. At least 15 children were among the victims at the displacement camp.
Calls for Immediate Action
Turk condemned the attacks as "a devastating reminder of drone warfare's human cost," urging all parties to cease targeting civilian infrastructure. UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell echoed these concerns, stating: "Desperate families fleeing hunger and violence deserve protection – not bombardment."
Kordofan Emerges as New Conflict Zone
Once considered relatively stable, Greater Kordofan has become the latest battleground between SAF and RSF forces. The fighting has displaced millions since 2023, creating what UN agencies describe as one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. With no ceasefire in sight, international organizations warn the violence could further destabilize regional food security and migration patterns.
