Sudan Conflict: Darfur Air Strikes Escalate

Sudan: Escalating Air Strikes Across Darfur Leave Dozens Dead Amid Rising Humanitarian Crisis

EL GENEINA / ED DAEIN — The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have significantly intensified aerial operations across the Darfur region this week, with coordinated drone strikes resulting in at least 24 confirmed deaths and dozens of injuries. The strikes, which targeted key urban centers including El Geneina, Ed Daein, and Al-Sereif, mark a sharp escalation in the year-long conflict between the SAF and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Verified Casualties and Strike Locations

Local monitoring groups and humanitarian organizations have provided detailed breakdowns of the fatalities, though they warn that the final death toll may rise due to the severity of the fires caused by the bombardments.

• West Darfur (El Geneina): Drone strikes targeted the Al-Jumruk (Customs) market and a passenger vehicle in the Sisi area. The Sudan Constituent Alliance (Tasees) reported at least 9 deaths and 12 injuries in the market strike alone.
• East Darfur (Ed Daein): Civil administration officials confirmed that 10 civilians were killed during strikes on several sites, including the General Intelligence Service headquarters. Notably, five of the victims were environmental health workers.
• North Darfur (Al-Sereif): The Darfur Victims Organization reported that a military drone struck a car maintenance workshop area on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in at least 5 additional civilian deaths.

Strategic Escalation of the Conflict

Military analysts suggest the SAF is shiftng toward an extensive aerial campaign to degrade RSF logistics. The Sudan Tribune reports that recent operations have focused on severing fuel supply lines originating near the Chad border. However, the high civilian toll in marketplaces and residential areas has drawn sharp international condemnation.

The timing of this escalation coincides with the third anniversary of the conflict’s outbreak. Amnesty International has warned that both warring parties are increasingly using indiscriminate attacks, further exacerbating what the UN describes as one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters.

A Growing Humanitarian Vacuum

The surge in drone activity has paralyzed aid operations in several Darfur states. Local sources in El Geneina report that drones remain a constant presence in the skies, fueling panic and forcing international NGOs to restrict staff movements.

The UN Fact-Finding Mission on Sudan recently emphasized that the lack of accountability for these strikes has emboldened both the SAF and RSF to continue operations in densely populated areas, heightening the risk of further atrocity crimes as the war enters its fourth year.

Image of map from https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/ffm-sudan/index