On Wednesday, a drone strike in the southern Kordofan city of El-Rahad, attributed to Sudan's paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), tragically killed two children and injured twelve others, according to a medical source. This incident highlights the severe impact of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where the RSF and the regular army have been engaged in fierce battles since April 2023. Eyewitness reports describe the scene of chaos at the Koranic school, underscoring the tragic consequences of the war on civilians, particularly children.

The Kordofan region has emerged as a central battleground in the conflict, with El-Rahad located on a strategic route that connects El-Obeid, North Kordofan's capital, to the White Nile river. This makes the area crucial for military operations, as it is key for the army's logistics in their ongoing struggle against the RSF. The regular army retook El-Rahad in a significant offensive last February, aiming to break the long-standing siege on neighboring El-Obeid, but RSF efforts to re-establish control have led to continued violence, including drone strikes targeting major routes.

The implications of this attack extend beyond immediate casualties; they reflect the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting Sudan. The use of drone strikes in populated areas, particularly targeting schools, raises alarming questions about the rules of engagement and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. As violence escalates, the international community faces mounting pressure to address the humanitarian needs and the broader ramifications of this protracted civil conflict, particularly for vulnerable populations like children in educational settings.