Army Drone Strikes in Darfur Kill Dozens as Conflict Intensifies

Ed Daein / Geneina, April 13, 2026 - Sudan’s armed forces have launched a series of drone strikes across the Darfur region, resulting in at least 20 civilian deaths and significant destruction, according to local officials and monitoring groups. The strikes, carried out over Sunday and Monday, targeted areas in East, West, and North Darfur, marking one of the most extensive aerial campaigns in recent months as the military seeks to weaken the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which control large parts of the region. In West Darfur, local authorities reported that drones struck multiple sites, including a crowded market area, where at least five people were killed and around 20 others injured. The attack caused extensive damage, with shops and infrastructure destroyed by fire. Additional strikes reportedly hit a civilian vehicle in the Sisi area, along the road between Zalingei and Geneina, killing five more people. Local officials condemned the incidents, describing them as violations of international humanitarian law and calling for accountability. In East Darfur, the city of Ed Daein was also heavily targeted. According to local administrative sources, at least 10 civilians were killed, including several environmental health workers. Some of the strikes reportedly hit buildings used by the RSF, including facilities previously associated with intelligence services. Residents reported repeated drone activity in recent weeks, with attacks affecting both military-linked sites and civilian infrastructure, including health facilities. In North Darfur, further strikes were reported in the Al-Sereif area, where a police station was destroyed along with vehicles believed to be used by RSF fighters. Military sources indicated that part of the campaign aims to disrupt RSF supply lines, particularly fuel shipments entering from neighboring countries. The escalation highlights the growing reliance on aerial warfare in Sudan’s conflict and its increasing toll on civilian populations, particularly in densely populated or contested urban areas across Darfur.