The civil war in Sudan has taken a devastating turn with the increasing use of drones, causing widespread terror and death among civilians. Elsadig, a 27-year-old resident of El-Obeid, lost his left leg in a drone strike in late June. Ahmado, a 42-year-old sewage truck driver, lost his 9-year-old son in the same attack.

Drone Strikes on Civilians

The United Nations has verified 15 drone strikes in and around El-Obeid in June alone, killing at least 45 civilians. The strikes have targeted markets, schools, fuel stations, water infrastructure, and civilian vehicles, disrupting access to essential services.

The use of drones has expanded the battlefield, bringing the war deeper into civilian life. Residents of El-Obeid say the sound of drones overhead has become a part of daily life, causing fear and anxiety. The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Türk, has warned that the actual death toll from drone strikes is likely much higher than reported.

Foreign Involvement

Both sides in the conflict, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have expanded their drone fleets with the help of foreign suppliers. Turkey has supplied the SAF with Bayraktar TB2 drones, while the RSF has used Chinese-made FH-95 drones.

The use of drones has changed the rhythm of the war, allowing for continued fighting even during the rainy season when ground forces are slowed down. The technology has also made it harder to deliver aid, with a UNHCR aid truck being struck by a drone earlier this month.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.