UN condemns escalating deadly drone strikes across Sudan
October 19, 2026 (NEW YORK) – The United Nations has expressed alarm over a surge in deadly drone strikes across Sudan that are killing civilians, including children, and severely disrupting essential services.
Drones struck several locations in the capital Khartoum on Monday, including an area near the airport, leaving at least one civilian dead and forcing the cancellation of several flights, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.
The violence follows a bloody weekend in which drone attacks killed at least 19 people, including 10 children, and injured several others across West Darfur, South Darfur and North Kordofan states.
Dujarric unequivocally condemned the attacks and expressed deep sorrow over the killing of a Sudanese Red Crescent volunteer last week.
The volunteer was providing first aid at a health centre in Um Darfa in Blue Nile state when the facility was hit by a drone strike.
Since the conflict began in April 2023, 25 Sudanese Red Crescent volunteers have been killed while on duty.
The UN spokesman described the targeting of humanitarian workers who put their lives at risk as particularly heinous.
He reiterated that international humanitarian law requires the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including medical facilities and personnel.
Despite the immense security challenges, the UN and its partners continue to deliver crucial assistance where possible.
In Central Darfur state, aid workers recently rehabilitated a water facility in Zalingei, restoring safe water access for about 2,500 people.
Additionally, more than 2,000 families across several localities received support for water, sanitation, and hygiene.
However, these life-saving operations face a severe funding shortfall.
With less than three months remaining in the year, Sudan’s humanitarian response plan is just over 43 per cent funded.
The UN has received $1.25 billion of the $2.9 billion urgently needed to sustain its relief efforts.