A drone attack attributed to Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in 41 deaths in the Blue Nile region near the Ethiopian border, according to Emergency Lawyers, a rights organization monitoring the conflict.
The strike on Friday targeted a settlement housing displaced civilians in the Abu Shandi area of Blue Nile state. The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) responded with alarm to the incident, stating it was
appalled by horrifying reports. Initial assessments indicated that women and children comprised the majority of those killed in the attack.
The incident reflects the broader armed struggle between Sudan's national army and the RSF paramilitary group, a conflict that has persisted since 2023. This power struggle has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and forced more than 14 million people from their homes, creating what international organizations describe as one of the world's most severe humanitarian emergencies. Millions require urgent medical assistance and humanitarian aid.
Military control and territorial divisions
Sudan's territory remains divided between the two warring factions. The national army maintains control over much of the country's central and eastern zones, while the RSF, which originated in the western Darfur region, has established its primary base there and extended its influence into southern areas.
Drone warfare by both sides
Both the army and RSF have employed aerial drone technology as part of their military operations throughout the conflict. The use of such weapons has become a recurring feature of the fighting, with civilian areas frequently caught in the crossfire.
Escalating attacks on civilian areas
Ocha emphasized that the Abu Shandi location had endured
sustained atttack in recent weeks, displacing thousands of civilians and exposing many more to grave harm. The organization's statement underscores how the conflict continues to drive displacement and create dangerous conditions for those seeking refuge in camps and settlements across the region.
Key Facts
- The RSF drone strike on Friday killed 41 people in a displaced persons camp in Abu Shandi, Blue Nile state
- The conflict between Sudan's army and RSF has killed hundreds of thousands and displaced over 14 million since 2023
- Both warring parties have been documented using drone attacks against targets across Sudan
- The humanitarian crisis has created one of the world's worst situations, with millions requiring medical assistance
