A deadly drone strike on the town of Kalogi in Sudan’s South Kordofan region has killed at least 50 people, including 33 children, after a kindergarten was reportedly hit in one of the deadliest attacks since the civil war escalated.
In an interview with the Sudan Doctors’ Network and local army officials, both groups accused the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of carrying out Thursday’s strike. The RSF has not commented on the allegation.
The RSF, however, accused the army of launching a separate drone attack on Friday targeting a fuel depot and market at the Adre border crossing with Chad in Darfur. Researchers from the Sudan War Monitor said the strike caused civilian casualties and severe market damage. The army has yet to comment.
Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 2023 when a power struggle between the army and the RSF once allies exploded into full-scale war. The reports from Kalogi and Darfur could not be independently verified.
According to the army-aligned foreign ministry, the kindergarten in Kalogi was struck twice by drone-launched missiles. It added that civilians and medical workers who rushed to help were also attacked.
Reacting to the tragedy, UNICEF regional spokesman Sheldon Yett condemned the assault on children.
“Killing children in their school is a horrific violation of children’s rights. Children should never pay the price of conflict,” he said.
He urged all parties to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access.
The Kordofan region situated between Khartoum and Darfur has become one of the civil war’s most active frontlines. With nearly eight million people, the area has seen intensified fighting as the army advances toward Darfur.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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