At least 79 civilians, including 43 children, were killed in a drone strike carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in South Kordofan, Sudanese authorities announced on Friday.
In a statement, the South Kordofan state government said the attack struck the city of Kalogi on Thursday, firing four missiles into a kindergarten, a hospital, and densely populated residential areas. Four women were also among the victims, with 38 people injured.
Authorities described the strike as a “heinous crime,” accusing the RSF and its allied Sudan People’s Liberation Movement–North (SPLM-N) of targeting civilians. The government initially reported eight deaths — including six children and a teacher — before the toll rose sharply as rescue efforts continued.
The statement urged the international community and human rights organizations to take a firm stance, hold those responsible accountable, and act to protect civilians amid intensifying violence.
UNICEF condemns ‘horrific violation’
The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) condemned the attack, calling it a “horrific violation of children’s rights.”
More than 10 children aged 5–7 were among those killed, the agency said.
“Children should never pay the price of conflict,” UNICEF Representative in Sudan Sheldon Yett said. He called on all parties to halt attacks immediately and ensure safe, unhindered access for humanitarian assistance.
UNICEF noted that the strike came amid a sharp deterioration in security across the Kordofan region since early November, displacing more than 41,000 people.
Escalating conflict
There was no immediate comment from the rebel group on the incident.
North, West, and South Kordofan have witnessed heavy clashes in recent weeks as fighting between the Sudanese army and the RSF intensifies. Tens of thousands have fled their homes.
Of Sudan’s 18 states, the RSF controls most of the Darfur region, while the army maintains control over much of the country’s south, north, east, and central areas, including Khartoum.
The conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which began in April 2023, has killed at least 40,000 people and displaced 12 million, according to the World Health Organization.