UN reports over 1,000 civilian deaths in Sudan due to drone strikes in 2026

More than 1,000 civilians in Sudan have been killed in drone strikes during the first five months of 2026, according to the United Nations. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, highlighted a sharp increase in the use of drone warfare in the country's ongoing civil conflict.

Escalation of Drone Warfare

In a speech to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Türk stated, "In Sudan, the horrific conflict has expanded and escalated, marked by a sharp increase in the use of drone warfare." The UN office documented over 1,000 civilian deaths from drone strikes between January and May 2026, alongside rampant levels of sexual violence, including rape.

Background of the Conflict

The war in Sudan began in April 2023, stemming from a power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict, initially centered in the capital, Khartoum, has since spread to various regions, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.

Humanitarian Impact

The ongoing violence has resulted in what the UN describes as the world's worst humanitarian and displacement crisis. Approximately 13.6 million people are currently displaced, over 20 million require health assistance, and 21 million are in desperate need of food. Estimates of the overall death toll vary, with figures ranging from about 56,000 to over 150,000.

International Concerns

The increasing reliance on drone warfare by both conflicting parties has raised international concerns about the role of automation in warfare and the need for stronger regulations governing autonomous weapons systems. Türk emphasized, "Autonomous weapons cannot become a license for atrocity crimes."

For more information, refer to the full report by Al Jazeera: Drone warfare kills over 1,000 in Sudan in 2026 as strikes multiply: UN.