Drone strikes in Sudan are causing deadly risks to civilians and obstructing humanitarian aid delivery in conflict-affected areas, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Monday, August 3rd, 2026.

The warning followed a deadly drone strike in the village of Ghara al Zawiya in North Darfur state, which caused dozens of casualties, according to the UN human rights office, OHCHR. International media reported that at least 35 people were killed and dozens more injured in a drone attack by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on a traditional court on Sunday afternoon.

The SAF and their former allies, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), have been engaged in conflict since April 2023. Renewed drone attacks in recent days in El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan state, have further endangered civilians, critical infrastructure, and humanitarian operations.

UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher stated that humanitarian teams are intensifying efforts to reach families affected by the conflict in North Kordofan and will utilize every opportunity to expand lifesaving aid in and around El Obeid. He urged all parties to de-escalate, protect civilians, and ensure humanitarian access.

OCHA also called on donors to increase support for Sudan’s humanitarian response, noting that approximately $1.2 billion of the $2.9 billion required for 2026 has been received to date.

Meanwhile, the United Nations and international partners, collectively known as the Quintet, continued consultations with Sudanese political leaders across the spectrum last week. Building on exploratory talks held in Addis Ababa in June, the Quintet recently engaged Sudanese civilian political leaders to promote dialogue.

The UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto, remains actively engaged with all parties, urging them to make concrete commitments to de-escalation and pursue genuine dialogue toward a cessation of hostilities.

Sources