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Drone strikes in Sudan's North Kordofan kill eight civilians, rights group says

A double-tap drone attack in Sowdari targeted traveling civilians and rescuers, according to Emergency Lawyers.

Updated Aug 28, 2026 · 12:19 UTC2 reports

The short version

  • A two-stage drone attack in the desert town of Sowdari killed eight civilians and injured dozens on Thursday, according to the independent group Emergency Lawyers.
  • The rights group reported that a second drone struck as people gathered to assist victims of the initial strike, calling the attack a war crime.
  • Neither the Sudanese armed forces nor the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have claimed responsibility for the strikes.

Key facts

  • Eight civilians were killed and dozens were wounded in drone strikes in the desert town of Sowdari, North Kordofan state, on Thursday.[ABC News · Associated Press]
  • A second drone strike occurred while individuals were attempting to rescue victims of the initial strike.[ABC News · Associated Press]
  • Rights group Emergency Lawyers condemned the attack as a violation of international humanitarian law and called for an independent investigation.[ABC News · Associated Press]
  • According to the United Nations, drone strikes caused 80% of civilian deaths in Sudan during the first four months of 2026.[ABC News · Associated Press]
  • The Armed Conflict Location & Event Data group estimates that at least 59,000 people have been killed in Sudan since war broke out in April 2023.[ABC News · Associated Press]

What remains uncertain

  • It is currently unknown which faction launched the drones, as both the Sudanese military and the Rapid Support Forces utilize drone warfare.[ABC News · Associated Press]

Sources