Six killed in army drone strike on East Darfur fuel market

March 8, 2026 (ED DAEIN) – At least six people were killed and several others injured on Sunday following an army drone strike targeting a fuel market in Ed Daein, the capital of East Darfur state, according to local sources.

Since the early months of the war, the entire state of East Darfur has been under the control of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The paramilitary group has established a civil administration to manage service delivery to citizens.

The attack on the state capital is part of the army’s strategy to target fuel depots allegedly used by the RSF to store supplies smuggled from South Sudan and Libya for its forces in the Darfur and Kordofan regions.

Local sources told Sudan Tribune that approximately six civilians were killed and more than 12 others were wounded in the aerial bombardment.

The strike, believed to be carried out by an army drone, targeted a market and fuel storage facilities in the city.

Sources reported that the bombing triggered massive fires and violent explosions, sparking widespread panic among residents.

The strike resulted in the complete destruction of the market, which is controlled by the RSF and affiliated traders.

Ed Daein is a major hub for the Rizeigat tribe, from which the RSF leadership and the majority of its members hail. The city has faced similar aerial attacks previously, most recently in August when a fighter jet struck the main local government headquarters used by the RSF for administrative operations.