Sudan Conflict Sees Escalating Drone Warfare, Civilian Casualties
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Drone strikes in Sudan's ongoing conflict have intensified, with a sharp rise in attacks and civilian casualties reported in 2025. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army are using foreign-supplied drone technology, leading to attacks on civilian infrastructure. The war, which began in April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and millions displaced.
Facts First
- Drone attacks and related deaths surged in 2025, with a 600% increase in deaths and an 81% increase in attacks reported by ACLED.
- Recent strikes have targeted civilian areas, including a northern port, hospitals, and populated neighborhoods, killing dozens.
- Both sides are using foreign-supplied drone technology, with the army reportedly supplied by Turkey, Russia, Iran, and Egypt, and the RSF via networks linked to the UAE.
- The conflict has caused massive humanitarian toll, with at least 59,000 deaths and approximately 13 million people displaced since April 2023.
- International actors are accused of involvement, with Sudan alleging Ethiopian and Emirati roles in recent attacks, allegations both countries deny.
What Happened
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) conducted drone strikes targeting the northern port in Port Sudan on May 6, 2025. This follows a pattern of escalating drone warfare, with the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project (ACLED) reporting a 600% increase in drone-related deaths and an 81% increase in drone attacks in 2025 compared to the previous year. ACLED found that at least 2,670 people, including combatants and civilians, were killed in 2025. Specific incidents include drone strikes on May 8 in South Kordofan and near el-Obeid in North Kordofan that reportedly killed 26 civilians, and an attack by the army's drone technology on Al Daein Teaching Hospital in East Darfur that killed at least 64 people; two military officials stated the intended target was a nearby police station. The Sudan Doctors Network reported that more than 70 people were killed in drone attacks on densely populated areas in Kordofan earlier this year.
Why this Matters to You
The widespread use of drone technology could lower the threshold for armed conflict and increase civilian risk in unstable regions. For communities in Sudan, this escalation means a heightened immediate danger to life and critical infrastructure like hospitals and ports, which are essential for aid delivery. The involvement of multiple foreign states supplying technology may prolong the conflict and complicate diplomatic solutions, potentially affecting regional stability. The massive displacement of millions creates a protracted humanitarian crisis that may require sustained international aid.
What's Next
The trajectory of the conflict may hinge on the continued flow of foreign drone technology to both sides. International pressure on supplier states could become a focal point for diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation. The high civilian toll and attacks on protected sites like hospitals might lead to increased scrutiny from international bodies, including potential investigations. The denial of involvement by accused countries like Ethiopia and the UAE suggests diplomatic tensions could persist.