Tragic Drone Strike in Sudan: A Funeral Turns to Devastation

Wed Nov 05 2025 03:02:11 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A deadly drone strike during a funeral in Sudan has resulted in the deaths of at least 40 individuals, leading to widespread outrage over the violence attributed to paramilitary forces. The incident highlights the escalating humanitarian crisis amidst the ongoing civil war in the region.

In a tragic event reminiscent of the intensifying conflict in Sudan, a drone strike on a funeral in North Kordofan killed at least 40 mourners, with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) being blamed. The attack exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, as ground conditions deteriorate with ongoing violence and mass displacement.

At least 40 people in Sudan have been killed in a drone strike that targeted a funeral taking place outside the army-held city of el-Obeid in North Kordofan state, officials and activists report. The attack, which occurred while mourners gathered in a tent, has been blamed on the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), although the RSF has not yet issued a comment on the matter.

The assault led to numerous casualties, with many victims reportedly succumbing to their injuries before reaching the hospital in el-Obeid, a critical city that connects the capital, Khartoum, to the western regions of Sudan, including Darfur.

Fighting has intensified in the resource-rich Kordofan area; about 20,000 people fled to el-Obeid last week following the RSF's capture of Bara town, situated 30 kilometers north of the city.

The RSF’s aggressive maneuvers have coincided with broader reports of atrocities, including mass killings, sexual violence, and extensive looting in locations affected by their advance. The United Nations expressed alarm, claiming that summary executions of civilians by RSF fighters have been reported in various communities.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has raised concerns that such actions might constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity. The RSF leader has committed to investigating alleged violations, yet denies accusations that the killings are ethnically motivated, asserting they target specific populations.

Food security experts confirmed that el-Fasher is experiencing famine as a result of a prolonged siege by the RSF. Concurrently, the city of Kadugli in South Kordofan state faces an acute food crisis due to similar constraints imposed by the RSF.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has demanded an immediate cessation of violence, warning of a rapidly escalating humanitarian crisis. He highlighted that areas like el-Fasher have become epicenters of suffering, hunger, and violence, escalating since the RSF took control of the city last week.

With ongoing discussions about a potential truce proposed by the U.S. and other nations, the Sudanese government is reported to be considering these diplomatic efforts, although past peace talks have shown limited success.

The North Kordofan Resistance Committee has reported that the funeral strike occurred on Monday, stating that drones belonging to the RSF targeted civilians. Mohamed Ismail, North Kordofan’s humanitarian aid commissioner, confirmed the casualty count and ongoing humanitarian challenges.

As of now, the civil war in Sudan has claimed over 150,000 lives and displaced about 12 million people, marking it as one of the world's most significant humanitarian crises.