Late on Thursday, Sudan army drones targeted a truck packed with mourners traveling to a funeral and a nearby fuel market, killing more than 300 people, BBC News reported citing local sources.
The attacks come amid an escalating conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has intensified since April. Both sides have been accused of targeting civilians, drawing international condemnation.
Key Facts
- Sudan army drones hit a truck carrying people to a funeral.
- A market alleged to supply fuel to the RSF was also struck.
- More than 300 people were killed, according to sources.
- BBC News provided the reporting and sourcing.
Who Is Affected?
The victims included civilians heading to a funeral and others at a market said to provide fuel to the RSF, a powerful paramilitary group fighting the army for control of Khartoum and other key regions. Funerals are often communal events in Sudan, drawing large crowds, which makes such areas especially vulnerable during active hostilities. Markets remain essential for daily survival but are increasingly caught in crossfire or targeted strikes.
Humanitarian agencies warn that attacks on civilian infrastructure deepen the already severe humanitarian crisis. The United Nations has repeatedly called for restraint, urging all parties to protect non-combatants. However, access for aid groups remains restricted due to ongoing fighting.
How Did We Get Here?
Fighting between the Sudanese army and the RSF began in April 2023 after both sides attempted to seize strategic sites in Khartoum. International mediators, including the African Union and the United Nations, have tried to broker ceasefire agreements, but truces have repeatedly collapsed. The use of drones has escalated the battlefield, allowing for precision-style strikes that can hit populated areas without warning.
BBC News cited anonymous local sources familiar with the incidents. Neither the army nor the RSF has publicly commented on these specific attacks at this time.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
Verified by the source:
- Sudan army drones struck a funeral-bound truck and a fuel market.
- More than 300 people died in the strikes.
- The market was allegedly used to supply fuel to the RSF.
- Reporting came from BBC News citing unnamed local sources.
Still unconfirmed:
- Exact date and time of the attacks.
- Precise location within Sudan.
- Independent confirmation of death toll from other outlets or officials.
- Whether either party officially denied or confirmed involvement.
Why It Matters
This attack highlights how the war in Sudan continues to inflict massive harm on ordinary citizens. With no end in sight, the international community faces mounting pressure to prevent further atrocities and support humanitarian access.
What To Watch
Observers will watch for official responses from either side and whether additional reports emerge corroborating the number of casualties. Regional powers may also step up diplomatic efforts if violence against civilians continues unabated.