Sudan: Drone Attack On Ar Rahad Market, North Kordofan, Kills and Injures Children

What the report says

AllAfrica, carrying a statement from the United Nations Children’s Fund, reported that a drone strike hit a market in Ar Rahad, North Kordofan, killing and injuring children. UNICEF said the attack, reported the day before its 21 July 2026 statement, killed at least two children and wounded six others between the ages of six and 14. It also reported four adult deaths and more than 20 injuries.

The statement, attributed to UNICEF Representative in Sudan Sheldon Yett, described the incident as part of the continuing harm Sudan’s conflict is inflicting on civilians, especially children. UNICEF said markets are civilian spaces where families seek food, income and basic supplies, and warned that such places are becoming scenes of violence in areas affected by the war.

UNICEF also linked the Ar Rahad attack to wider insecurity in North Kordofan and nearby regions. It noted recent concern over escalation around Al Obeid, while saying children are also at risk in places including Dilling and Kadugli in South Kordofan, parts of North Darfur, and areas affected by the expanding conflict in Blue Nile. The agency said repeated attacks are damaging homes, schools, health facilities, water systems and markets, while deepening displacement and trauma.

The report matters because it points to both civilian casualties and worsening humanitarian access in Sudan. UNICEF said insecurity along key supply routes is hindering aid workers and essential deliveries, and called on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, respect international humanitarian law, and allow safe, rapid and unhindered access to communities in need.