Sudanese Army Drone Strike Kills 16 Civilians in North Darfur, Locals Report

Civilian Casualties in Drone Strike Highlight Escalating Conflict in Sudan

On October 11, 2025, a tragic incident occurred in the town of Al-Kuma, located east of El Fasher in North Darfur. According to local community leaders, at least 16 civilians were killed in a drone strike carried out by the Sudanese army. The attack took place during a time when residents had gathered for a meeting to address local concerns.

Al-Kuma is under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), and it has become a frequent target for airstrikes from the Sudanese army. Community leaders reported that the area has been subjected to over 150 airstrikes, resulting in the deaths of dozens of civilians and the destruction of essential infrastructure such as water sources, service facilities, and the main market.

A video posted on social media by a community leader provided a firsthand account of the incident. In the video, the speaker described how the drone strike occurred while residents were engaged in discussions about their community's issues. The speaker condemned the attack, stating, “The army is targeting civilians in populated neighborhoods.” He called on the international community to intervene and halt what he described as a systematic targeting of citizens who are not involved in the conflict.

This incident is part of a broader pattern of violence that has plagued the region. In May of the same year, the Sudanese army and the RSF exchanged accusations regarding an attack on a World Food Programme (WFP) convoy in Al-Kuma, which resulted in the deaths of five aid workers. The incident highlighted the growing tensions between the two groups and the impact of the conflict on humanitarian efforts.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to widespread displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis. Civilians have been caught in the crossfire, with many losing their lives and homes. The situation in Al-Kuma exemplifies the devastating consequences of the conflict, as communities are repeatedly targeted, leading to loss of life and destruction of vital resources.

Key Points of the Conflict

• Targeting of Civilians: The Sudanese army’s actions in Al-Kuma demonstrate a clear pattern of targeting civilian populations, even during times of community gatherings.
• Destruction of Infrastructure: The repeated airstrikes have caused significant damage to essential services, including water sources and markets, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
• International Response: Calls for international intervention highlight the need for global attention and action to address the escalating violence and protect civilian lives.
• Humanitarian Impact: The conflict has severely affected aid delivery, as seen in the attack on the WFP convoy, which underscored the dangers faced by humanitarian workers.

The situation in Al-Kuma serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of the conflict in Sudan. As the violence continues, the need for a peaceful resolution becomes increasingly urgent. The international community must take decisive action to ensure the protection of civilians and the restoration of stability in the region.