The United Nations’ top human rights official warned Thursday that escalating drone warfare in Sudan’s brutal civil conflict is exacting a devastating toll on civilians, with more than 200 people reportedly killed in drone strikes in just over a week.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said he was “appalled” by the growing use of powerful drones in populated areas, urging all sides to halt indiscriminate attacks and comply with international humanitarian law.
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk speaks to the media during a stakeout, giving an update on the Middle East crisis at the European headquarters of the United Nations, Geneva, Switzerland, Feb. 6, 2026. (EPA Photo)
Since March 4, waves of drone strikes have struck markets, hospitals, schools and residential areas as the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces intensifies.
“Despite repeated warnings and appeals, parties to the conflict continue to deploy increasingly powerful drones carrying explosive weapons with wide-area impacts in populated areas,” Türk said in a statement.
