- 35 people were killed in a Sudan army drone strike on a civil court in Darfur.
- Drone warfare has become a signature of the conflict and is now the leading cause of death in Sudan, accounting for 80 per cent of civilian deaths in the first four months of 2026, according to the United Nations.
- Drone warfare accounted for 80% of civilian deaths in Sudan during the first four months of 2026, according to UN data.
At least 35 civilians were killed when Sudanese army drones struck a civil court in Al-Zawiya Gara village, North Darfur, according to Emergency Lawyers. The group described the court as “a civilian facility that plays a judicial and social role in the region.”
The attack, which occurred on Sunday afternoon, has drawn condemnation for violating international humanitarian law. “Directing attacks against civilians and civilian objects constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law,” the group stated, calling for an investigation.
Since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023 between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, the country has seen a dramatic increase in violence, with at least 59,000 people killed, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data project. Aid organizations suggest that this figure may be an undercount, with the actual number potentially much higher.
Drone warfare has emerged as a significant aspect of the conflict, with both sides employing aerial strikes. The United Nations reports that drone strikes are now the leading cause of civilian deaths in Sudan, accounting for 80 percent of civilian fatalities during the first four months of 2026. The Sudanese army has not responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.2345
“Emergency Lawyers said the court is “a civilian facility that plays a judicial and social role in the region.” Separately, the UN says drone warfare is now the leading cause of death in Sudan, accounting for 80% of civilian deaths in the first four months of 2026.”
