GENEVA, 23 October 2026 — The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) reported that at least 306 people were killed and hundreds more injured in drone strikes across Sudan during the first three weeks of October. According to the UN, the attacks were attributed to both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and affected several regions, including Kordofan, Darfur, Blue Nile, and Khartoum. ohchr.org], news.un.org
The UN said the strikes hit a range of civilian locations, including homes, markets, hospitals, displacement sites, power stations, and water infrastructure. The organization noted that drone attacks have become a significant feature of the conflict and have contributed substantially to civilian casualties recorded this year. ohchr.org, news.un.org
Among the incidents documented by the UN was a strike on a transportation truck in Dibab, West Kordofan, on 18 October. The UN reported that at least 139 people were killed and dozens injured in the attack, which occurred in an area under RSF control.
The report also highlighted attacks affecting internally displaced persons. Between 6 and 10 October, alleged drone strikes attributed to the SAF struck shelters for displaced civilians in Ghubeish and El Nuhud in West Kordofan. The UN said the attacks killed at least 25 civilians and injured 31 others. ohchr.org
In Blue Nile State, an alleged RSF drone strike on 9 October reportedly killed at least 31 displaced people near Abu Shendi. According to the UN, most of those killed were women and children. ohchr.org, news.un.org
The UN additionally reported strikes on gold-mining areas in South Kordofan on 9 and 16 October. These incidents reportedly resulted in 42 civilian deaths and injuries to at least 25 other people. ohchr.org
Beyond the immediate loss of life, the UN stated that the attacks have affected essential infrastructure and public services. Facilities reportedly impacted include hospitals, markets, electricity installations, and water sources that support civilian populations. ohchr.org, news.un.org
One incident cited by the UN involved an alleged RSF strike on Um Darfa Hospital in Blue Nile State. The attack reportedly injured two health workers and rendered the facility non-operational, affecting access to healthcare in the area. ohchr.org, news.un.org
UN officials said repeated strikes on civilian infrastructure have contributed to further displacement and increased humanitarian needs in communities already affected by conflict. The organization warned that damage to essential services could have lasting consequences for affected populations. ohchr.org, news.un.org
Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed concern over the escalation in drone strikes and their effects on civilians. He stated that drones account for the majority of conflict-related civilian deaths recorded in Sudan this year and reiterated calls for compliance with international humanitarian law. ohchr.org, news.un.org
The UN called on all parties to avoid attacks on civilians and civilian objects and emphasized the need to protect essential infrastructure. It also urged efforts aimed at reducing violence and improving humanitarian access in conflict-affected areas. ohchr.org
Sudan has been experiencing conflict between the SAF and RSF since April 2023. The war has displaced millions of people and caused extensive damage to infrastructure across the country, according to reports cited by the UN and regional media outlets. radiotamazuj.org
Sources
United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR)
Title: Sudan: Türk alarmed by surge in drone attacks killing hundreds in October
Date: 23 October 2026
Publisher: Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)
Link: OHCHR Press Release ohchr.org
UN News
Title: Sudan: Drone strikes killed at least 306 people in three weeks
Date: 23 October 2026
Publisher: United Nations News
Link: UN News Report news.un.org
Radio Tamazuj
Title: Sudan drone strikes kill 306 in three weeks, UN rights body says
Publisher: Radio Tamazuj
Link: Radio Tamazuj Article radiotamazuj.org
