Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Sudan’s RSF Intensifies Deadly Drone Attacks on Frontline Cities
Sudan has been fighting a long civil war.
Both the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese army use drones in the conflict.
Residents say the RSF has recently increased drone attacks on towns controlled by the government.
A drone hit a courtroom in Um Ruwaba on September 8.
About 10 people were reportedly killed and many others were hurt.
The next day, another drone hit a college in al-Obeid, killing a security guard and damaging classrooms.
People in the towns say the attacks have made daily life frightening and difficult.
The RSF says it does not deliberately attack civilians.
The United Nations says drone attacks by both sides killed more than 1,000 civilians in the first half of the year.
Residents say the Rapid Support Forces have intensified drone attacks on government-held towns in North Kordofan.
A September 8 drone strike on a crowded courtroom in Um Ruwaba killed about 10 people and injured dozens, according to Emergency Lawyers.
A September 9 strike on a college in al-Obeid killed a security guard and damaged eight classrooms, its dean said.
The United Nations says drone attacks by both sides killed more than 1,000 civilians during the first half of this year.
The RSF did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment but has said it does not intentionally target civilians.
- Who
- The Rapid Support Forces, the Sudanese army, residents, Emergency Lawyers, and the United Nations are cited in the report.
- What
- Drone attacks have intensified in government-held towns, including strikes on a courtroom and a college.
- When
- Major attacks described in the report occurred on September 8 and 9; the report was published September 23.
- Where
- Um Ruwaba and al-Obeid in North Kordofan, Sudan.
- Why
- Residents say the attacks are part of an apparent renewed campaign and have disrupted daily life; the RSF says it does not intentionally target civilians.
RSF Position
Residents’ and Monitors’ Reports
Intent and civilian harm
RSF Position
The Rapid Support Forces has said it does not intentionally target civilians and did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment.
Residents’ and Monitors’ Reports
Residents describe a renewed campaign of strikes that has killed and injured civilians, damaged public buildings, and created widespread insecurity.
Use of drones
RSF Position
The RSF is one of the forces using increasingly advanced drones in the war.
Residents’ and Monitors’ Reports
The United Nations says drone attacks by both the RSF and the Sudanese army killed more than 1,000 civilians in the first half of the year.
- Conflict
- Sudan’s three-and-a-half-year-old civil war
- Reported strike locations
- A courtroom in Um Ruwaba and a college in al-Obeid
- Courtroom casualties
- About 10 killed and dozens injured, according to Emergency Lawyers
- College casualties
- One security guard killed
- College damage
- Eight classrooms damaged and the roof blasted off
- Civilian deaths from drones
- More than 1,000 in the first half of the year, according to the United Nations
- RSF response
- The RSF did not respond to Reuters but has said it does not intentionally target civilians