The death toll from a drone strike on Al Deain Teaching Hospital in Sudan's East Darfur region has risen to 70, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed this week. The attack, which occurred on March 20, 2026, destroyed critical infrastructure and left 146 injured, according to UN officials.
Dr. Hala Khudari, WHO Deputy Representative to Sudan, stated that search teams recovered six additional bodies from the rubble, underscoring the severity of the attack on a facility serving over 2 million residents. Victims included women, children, and medical personnel.
While the WHO did not assign blame, a UN human rights spokesperson noted the strike occurred in an area controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has been engaged in conflict with Sudan’s army since April 2023. Both sides have reportedly used drones in attacks on civilian sites, potentially constituting war crimes.
The UN highlighted a troubling trend: over 500 civilians have been killed in drone strikes across Sudan since January 2026, primarily in the Kordofan region. This escalation raises urgent humanitarian concerns as critical healthcare infrastructure becomes increasingly vulnerable.
