Published：May 16, 04:59Last updated：May 25, 12:48

Drone Warfare Escalates in Sudan and DRC

May. 16, 2026 04:59

Drone warfare has become a major threat to civilians in Sudan's ongoing conflict. Both the military and the Rapid Support Forces are using drones supplied by various countries. The use of drones has intensified the violence and increased civilian casualties.

Summarized

8News

6Media

May. 20, 2026 04:55

On May 19, 2026, a drone attack on a crowded market in West Kordofan, Sudan, killed at least 28 people. The attack occurred amid ongoing clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces. The incident has raised concerns about civilian safety and the humanitarian impact of the conflict.

May. 25, 2026 12:48

The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) experienced multiple drone strikes over the weekend of May 23-24, 2026. The attacks targeted areas controlled by the AFC/M23 in the Kivu regions as well as government positions in Kisangani (Tshopo province). Both sides have accused each other, but no group has claimed responsibility so far.

The use of drone warfare has intensified conflicts in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, causing significant civilian casualties and raising humanitarian concerns. In Sudan, recent attacks have targeted crowded markets, while in the DRC, drone strikes have hit both rebel and government positions. The technology has become a key factor in escalating regional violence.

🚨 Sudan Market Attack

A drone strike on May 19, 2026, killed 28 people and injured 23 in Ghubaysh market, West Kordofan. The attack occurred in an area controlled by the Rapid Support Forces, who are engaged in conflict with the Sudanese Armed Forces since April 2023. Medical sources confirmed the casualties were primarily civilians caught in the crossfire.The Independent+2

🛰️ Drone Supply Networks

Both Sudanese military factions are reportedly using drones supplied by Middle Eastern countries. These unmanned systems have:

Increased precision of attacks
Expanded operational range
Reduced risk to operators
The technology has transformed the dynamics of the conflict, enabling strikes deep behind enemy lines.Toronto Star+2

🇨🇩 Congo Conflict Spread

In eastern DRC, drone strikes targeted:

AFC/M23 positions in Kivu regions
Government forces in Kisangani (Tshopo province)
Strategic supply routes
Neither side has claimed responsibility, but the attacks mark an escalation in regional tensions.Radio France Internationale+2

🏥 Humanitarian Crisis

The drone warfare has created severe consequences:

Impact	Sudan	DRC
Civilian deaths	28 (single attack)	Unconfirmed
Displaced	500,000+	300,000+
Medical strain	Overwhelmed	Limited access
Local hospitals in both countries report being overwhelmed by casualties from the attacks.La Presse+2