Sudan's Civilian Casualties Soar Amid Ongoing Airstrikes

Tue Dec 09 2025 19:27:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

An alarming report reveals that Sudan's air force airstrikes have resulted in over 1,700 civilian deaths, primarily affecting residential areas, markets, and schools. With the conflict escalating, the need for accountability and humanitarian aid is more pressing than ever.

Recent findings show that Sudan's air force has conducted airstrikes leading to at least 1,700 civilian deaths since April 2023. This violence, primarily targeting populated areas and essential services, highlights the urgent need for international intervention and accountability for human rights abuses. The Sudan Witness Project emphasizes the alarming frequency and indiscriminateness of these attacks, marking a critical point in Sudan's ongoing civil strife.

Sudan's air force has carried out bombings in which at least 1,700 civilians have died in attacks on residential neighborhoods, markets, schools, and camps for displaced people, according to an investigation into air raids in the country's civil war.

The Sudan Witness Project says it has compiled the largest known dataset of military airstrikes in the conflict, which began in April 2023.

Its analysis indicates that the air force has used unguided bombs in populated areas.

The data focuses on attacks by warplanes, which only the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) is capable of operating. Its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), does not have aircraft but implements drone strikes, which were excluded from the research.

The RSF has been internationally condemned for allegedly carrying out ethnic massacres in Sudan's western Darfur region, triggering charges of genocide by the United States.

According to the report prepared for the BBC by Sudan Witness, there were 135 airstrikes against residential areas, leading to verified destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure.

The project emphasizes that many airstrikes have hit markets and commercial facilities, often populated by civilians, disrupting not only lives but also economic activities in the region, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Both military sides in Sudan have been accused of war crimes against civilians. The SAF has denied allegations of targeting civilians, insisting that its actions are in accordance with military protocols.

As the conflict continues, humanitarian organizations call for a substantial increase in international aid and protection for the affected civilian population.