Published：Jun 11, 14:01Last updated：Jun 15, 12:59

Sudan's Drone War Escalates Civilian Deaths

Jun. 11, 2026 14:01

Sudanese paramilitary forces conducted drone strikes overnight on June 11, 2026, killing at least 15 people in central Sudan. Dozens were wounded in the attacks, according to health officials. The use of drones has become increasingly common in the country's ongoing conflict. The strikes highlight the escalating violence in the region. The conflict has lasted over three years with no resolution in sight.

Summarized

8News

6Media

Jun. 15, 2026 12:25

Drone strikes in Sudan killed more than 1,000 civilians in the first five months of 2026, according to a UN official. The attacks occurred in the war-torn country, highlighting the ongoing conflict's severe humanitarian impact. The UN reported the figures on Monday.

Jun. 15, 2026 12:59

On June 15, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk reported that more than 1,000 Sudanese civilians were killed in drone attacks from January to May 2026. Türk highlighted the increased use of armed drones in the ongoing conflict, leading to significant civilian casualties. The conflict, which began on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, has spread across the country. According to ACLED data, over 59,000 deaths have been recorded in Sudan's three-year conflict.

Sudan's ongoing conflict has entered a deadly new phase with drone warfare accounting for over 80% of civilian fatalities, according to UN reports. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group has intensified drone strikes, particularly targeting crowded civilian areas like El-Obeid in North Kordofan, resulting in thousands of deaths since January 2026. The conflict, now in its third year between the RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces, has displaced millions and created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

🎯 Targeted Attacks

Recent drone strikes hit a funeral procession in El-Obeid, killing at least 23 civilians according to health officials. Rights groups confirm the RSF conducted these attacks, part of a pattern of targeting gatherings. The June 11-12 attacks alone claimed 39 lives across multiple locations. Toronto Star+2

📊 Humanitarian Toll

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk revealed 1,000+ civilian deaths from drone strikes in early 2026. ACLED data shows 59,000 conflict-related deaths overall since April 2023. Attacks have:

Destroyed critical infrastructure
Displaced 8 million people
Blocked 90% of aid deliveries Toronto Star+1

⚔️ Military Escalation

The RSF's drone campaign marks a tactical shift:

Date	Location	Casualties	Target Type
Jun 11	El-Obeid	16 killed	Residential
Jun 12	El-Obeid	4 killed	Funeral
The Sudanese Armed Forces have yet to develop equivalent drone capabilities, creating an asymmetric warfare scenario. Radio France Internationale+1