UNICEF reports over 300 child deaths in six months, drone strikes account for 60%
More than 300 children have been killed in the last six months in the war in Sudan, mostly from drone strikes, the UN children’s agency said Monday. The conflict between the Sudanese military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has been ongoing since April 2023, and is now concentrated in the Kordofan, Darfur and Blue Niles states.
Drone warfare causing majority of casualties
According to UNICEF, drone warfare has caused 60 percent of casualties. The UN, U.S., UK and others have expressed alarm about potential atrocities as the RSF and the military fight for control of the strategic city of el-Obeid, in North Kordofan.
Conflict death toll and displacement figures
The conflict has killed at least 59,000 people, displaced some 13 million, and pushed many parts of Sudan into famine. More than 30 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.
Civilian infrastructure targeted
Drone strikes and shelling have targeted civilian infrastructure including schools, markets, fuel and water stations, putting over 500,000 people at risk. Civilians have faced almost siege-like conditions for over a year.
UNICEF representative calls for protection of children
“Children are being caught in a relentless cycle of violence, displacement and deprivation,” said Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative for Sudan. The UN called on parties “to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, allow and facilitate safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access, and take all possible measures to protect children from harm.”
