UN reports a sharp rise in civilian deaths from drone strikes in Sudan

More than 1,000 civilians were killed in drone strikes in Sudan in the first five months of 2026, according to the UN, as reported by Al Jazeera on 15 June.

In Sudan, the horrific conflict has expanded and escalated, marked by a sharp increase in the use of drone warfare.

Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, 15 June 2026

Needs remain very high. WHO says about 13.6 million people are displaced, more than 20 million need health assistance and 21 million need food (WHO, via Al Jazeera).

Later in June, cholera spread in West Kordofan, with 838 suspected cases and 117 deaths as of 20 June (WHO, via UN News). On 29 June, the UN welcomed news that the Adre border crossing, a key route for aid into Darfur and Kordofan, would stay open until 30 September (UN News).

Key figures

• More than 1,000 civilians killed in drone strikes, January to May 2026 (UN, via Al Jazeera)
• About 13.6 million people displaced (WHO, via Al Jazeera)
• West Kordofan cholera: 838 suspected cases and 117 deaths as of 20 June (WHO, via UN News)

Sources

• Al Jazeera: Drone warfare kills over 1,000 in Sudan in 2026 as strikes multiply: UN (15 June 2026)
• UN News: Sudan: UN welcomes extension of vital aid corridor amid rising insecurity (29 June 2026)

Photo: Faruk Tokluoğlu / Pexels · Sudan