Sudanese rebels target nursery in drone strike, killing 33 children

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a Sudanese paramilitary group long accused of atrocities in Darfur, carried out a drone strike on a nursery in Kalogi, South Kordofan, resulting in the deaths of more than 30 children, according to the Sudan Doctors Network. Overall, fifty people were reported dead, including 33 children.

The group condemned the attack as a "blatant breach of international humanitarian law," highlighting the targeting of civilians, particularly children, and critical civilian infrastructure. Communication blackouts in the region may mean the death toll is higher than reported.

Eyewitnesses described two strikes on the nursery, with a third strike hitting a nearby hospital where locals were searching for relatives. One local official reported that 79 people in total were killed, including 43 children.

Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war since 2023. The RSF has been accused of genocide and ethnic cleansing in its campaign against government forces. UNICEF representative Sheldon Yett condemned the attack, saying, "Children should never pay the price of conflict."

Recent fighting in Kordofan has caused hundreds of civilian deaths after the RSF seized control of El Fasher, previously the Darfuri capital, where over 60,000 people may have been killed. Satellite imagery shows the city abandoned, with survivors reporting widespread violence and sexual assault. Aid and UN investigators have not been allowed access by the RSF.

The UN warned that similar atrocities could occur in Kordofan. RSF advances have also threatened other towns such as Kadugli and Dilling, both facing food shortages. Meanwhile, Sudanese army airstrikes in Kauda recently killed at least 48 civilians.

The RSF, which overthrew Sudans transitional government alongside the army in 2021 before turning on each other, continues its rebellion. International mediators are exploring options for renewed peace talks, but Sudanese army leaders demand the RSF leave all civilian areas before any agreement is reached.

Author: Riley Thompson