UN official says drone strikes kill over 1,000 civilians in Sudan this year
June 16, 2026 (GENEVA/NEW YORK) – Drone warfare has killed more than 1,000 civilians in Sudan during the first five months of 2026, marking a sharp escalation in the country’s ongoing conflict, the United Nations human rights chief said.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk told the 62nd session of the Human Rights Council on Monday that the horrific conflict has expanded, driven by an increasing reliance on unmanned aerial vehicles. He added that sexual violence and rape remain rampant across the country.
Separately, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters in New York that intensive fighting involving lethal drones continues to claim civilian lives across multiple regions, severely disrupting humanitarian operations.
In North Darfur State, a recent attack on a village in Um Baru killed at least eight civilians and wounded several others. The local market was looted, forcing residents to flee and causing the primary healthcare unit to suspend services due to insecurity.
A series of drone strikes in and around El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State, also killed nine civilians last week. The casualties included a volunteer with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society. The strikes damaged critical infrastructure, including fuel stations and water facilities.
Further drone strikes wounded civilians in Nyala, the state capital of South Darfur, on Friday. Intercommunal tensions in the area have halted residents’ movement and forced major markets to close.
Similar community tensions in Central Darfur have delayed food assistance intended for approximately 31,000 people in the Mukjar locality.
UN officials emphasized that these persistent attacks are creating significant barriers for aid organizations attempting to reach vulnerable populations.
Despite the operational challenges, some humanitarian assistance is getting through. A shipment of 3,000 tents arrived in Shearia in East Darfur State on Saturday, with distributions planned for displaced families in the coming days.
The United Nations reiterated its call for all warring parties to protect civilians, humanitarian personnel, and infrastructure, demanding safe, rapid, and unhindered access for aid delivery.