Reports from Sudan indicate that a drone strike targeted a crowded market in the North Kordofan state, killing at least 28 people and injuring many others. The attack occurred on a Sunday evening in the Safia area, which is known for its bustling civilian activity. The Emergency Lawyers Group, a non-governmental organization, stated that the number of casualties may rise further as many victims sustained critical injuries. The responsibility for this attack remains unclear, but it follows another incident where combat involving Rapid Support Forces led to the deaths and injuries of civilians at a hospital in the southeastern state of Sennar.

The ongoing violence in Kordofan has reached alarming levels, with military escalation reported in all three states of the region (North, South, and West Kordofan) since last October. According to human rights and UN reports, drones have become a primary tool in the ongoing conflict, allowing for more impactful strikes on civilian populations. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, recently expressed concerns over the rising tide of violence and warned about the potential increase in civilian casualties due to the persistent use of aerial attacks.

The surge in such violent incidents raises critical humanitarian concerns as communities in Kordofan continue to bear the brunt of escalated military actions. The UN and various human rights organizations have called for urgent measures to protect civilians and restore peace in the region, yet the situation remains volatile, with hopes for stability dimming as new attacks unfold.