Sudan: Sudan War - First Suicide Bombers, Now Long-Range Drone Strikes Are the Norm

What the report says

UNICEF has warned that Sudan is facing a worsening mix of drone warfare and drought as the country’s conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces continues. In remarks reported by UN News and distributed by AllAfrica, the agency said attacks on infrastructure are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated, with some drones reportedly traveling long distances before hitting their targets.

The report said power stations were struck repeatedly in October, disrupting electricity supplies and, in turn, water pumps, water treatment systems and other basic services. UNICEF spokesperson James Elder said the pattern of attacks is affecting civilians well beyond the front lines, including in places that had previously been considered relatively safe. The agency also linked the damage to rising risks of disease, including cholera, and to growing pressure on food supplies as farmers struggle to irrigate crops.

UNICEF said the humanitarian toll is especially severe for children. The agency described young survivors of explosions and noted that many children are facing injury, displacement and severe malnutrition. It also said aid operations remain stretched, with teams treating malnutrition, providing healthcare, vaccinating children and helping restore water systems in some areas.

The broader context is that Sudan’s war has created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with millions in need of shelter, food and medical support. UNICEF said its response remains underfunded, underscoring the scale of the emergency and the difficulty of keeping essential services operating while fighting continues.