Overview
- The UN human rights office documented more than 1,000 civilians killed by drone strikes between January and May 2026, which the agency says made drones responsible for roughly 80% of recorded conflict-related civilian deaths.
- UN deputies reported that both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have widely deployed explosive-capable drones, with attacks multiplying across Darfur, Kordofan, Blue Nile, White Nile and Khartoum states.
- Drone strikes have increasingly struck civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, markets, cemeteries, fuel stations and aid convoys, producing deadly single strikes such as recent attacks in el-Obeid that killed dozens.
- The UN Fact-Finding Mission said it has documented systemic abuses by both sides — arbitrary detention, torture, enforced disappearances and widespread sexual violence — that may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.
- UN officials and rights groups told the Human Rights Council they need extended investigatory mandates, stricter controls on weapon and drone supplies, and better access to preserve evidence and protect civilians.