Sudan Army Drone Attack Kills 35 in Darfur, Rights Group Reports

At least 35 people have been killed and several others injured in a drone attack in Sudan's western Darfur region, according to the human rights group Emergency Lawyers.

The attack reportedly took place on Sunday afternoon in Gara Al-Jawiya village in North Darfur, an area controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The incident has raised renewed concerns about the growing use of drones in Sudan's ongoing civil war and the increasing danger faced by civilians caught in the conflict.

Drone Strike Hits Traditional Court in North Darfur

According to Emergency Lawyers, the drone attack targeted a traditional court where civilians had gathered to attend hearings involving local disputes and community matters.

The attack reportedly occurred at around 1 p.m. local time, killing at least 35 people and injuring several others.

The traditional court building was also damaged in the strike. Such courts have traditionally played an important role in resolving local and tribal disputes in the region.

A witness who spoke to AFP anonymously for security reasons said the hearing was reportedly taking place outdoors under a tree rather than inside the court building. Local community leaders were said to be participating in the proceedings.

The witness also reported that four tribal leaders and two RSF commanders were among those killed.

The details of the attack and the identities of those responsible have not been independently verified.

Gara Al-Jawiya Located in RSF-Controlled Territory

Gara Al-Jawiya is located near Kabkabiya, a major town in the Darfur region, approximately 150 kilometres west of El-Fasher.

El-Fasher was previously the last major stronghold of the Sudanese army in Darfur before the RSF captured the city following a prolonged and violent offensive in October.

The fall of El-Fasher marked a significant development in the conflict and intensified international concerns over the humanitarian situation in Darfur.

United Nations investigators have previously warned that the violence surrounding the siege and capture of El-Fasher showed "signs of genocide."

Sudan’s Civil War Continues Into Its Fourth Year

Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating conflict since April 2023, when fighting broke out between the country's military and the paramilitary RSF.

The conflict emerged from a power struggle between Sudanese Army Chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and RSF leader Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti.

What began as a political and military power struggle has since developed into a prolonged civil war, resulting in widespread destruction, mass displacement, food insecurity, and a severe humanitarian crisis.

Tens of thousands of people have reportedly been killed since the conflict began, while millions have been forced to flee their homes.

The RSF has its roots in the Janjaweed militia, which was accused of carrying out widespread atrocities in Darfur during the early 2000s. During the current war, the paramilitary group has expanded its influence across large parts of Darfur.

Drone Warfare Increasing in Sudan

Both the Sudanese army and the RSF have increasingly relied on drones as part of their military operations.

The growing use of unmanned aerial attacks has added another serious threat to civilians living in conflict-affected areas.

According to the United Nations, more than 1,000 civilians were reportedly killed in drone attacks during the first five months of 2026 alone.

Human rights organisations and international observers have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of drone warfare on civilian populations, particularly in densely populated areas and regions where access to medical care and humanitarian assistance is already limited.

The latest attack in North Darfur has once again highlighted the risks faced by civilians as the conflict continues.

Sudan Faces One of the World’s Worst Humanitarian Crises

The ongoing war has created one of the world's most severe humanitarian emergencies.

Millions of Sudanese people have been displaced from their homes, while communities across the country face shortages of food, medicine, clean water, and essential services.

The crisis has been particularly severe in Darfur, where years of conflict and instability have left communities vulnerable to violence and displacement.

International humanitarian organisations have repeatedly called for greater protection of civilians and increased access for aid workers.

The latest drone attack has further intensified concerns about the safety of civilians in Darfur and the potential consequences of continued attacks on civilian areas.

Growing Concerns Over Civilian Protection

The reported deaths in Gara Al-Jawiya come amid growing international concern over the conduct of the war in Sudan.

As both sides increasingly use drones and other advanced weapons, civilians remain at significant risk.

Human rights groups have called for investigations into attacks that may have violated international humanitarian law and for those responsible for abuses against civilians to be held accountable.

With the war continuing and no lasting political settlement in sight, the latest attack serves as another reminder of the devastating human cost of Sudan's conflict.

For civilians in Darfur and other conflict-affected regions, the urgent need remains the same: an end to violence, protection from attacks, and access to humanitarian assistance.