A devastating drone strike hit the Abu Shandi shelter in Wad Al-Mahi, Blue Nile region, on Friday, resulting in the deaths of 41 civilians. The Emergency Lawyers Group reported that eight children were among the dead and 26 women suffered serious injuries. The shelter was providing refuge to civilians fleeing ongoing fighting between Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) near the Ethiopian border.
The Emergency Lawyers Group strongly condemned the attack as a grave breach of international humanitarian law. They called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians and civilian objects, demanding an independent and transparent investigation into the incident. The group also sought accountability for those responsible for the strike, which has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in Sudan.
According to the United Nations, drone strikes have been responsible for the majority of civilian deaths in Sudan's conflict. In the first four months of 2026, at least 880 civilians were killed, with over 80 percent of these deaths caused by drones. While most drone-related casualties have been recorded in Kordofan, the UN notes that drone operations have spread to other regions, including Blue Nile, where the recent strike occurred.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023 between the army and the RSF, has led to a significant escalation of long-range drone attacks on army-held areas. The RSF has targeted infrastructure such as power facilities and fuel depots, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The situation has been described as the world's most neglected displacement crisis in 2025.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan is dire, with over 9 million people displaced internally and up to 4 million fleeing abroad. Nearly 19.5 million people face acute hunger, underscoring the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Humanitarian agencies, including the Norwegian Refugee Council, have expressed deep concern over the situation.
The Abu Shandi shelter, which was hit by the drone strike, was providing critical assistance to civilians fleeing violence. The attack has raised concerns about the protection of civilians and humanitarian infrastructure in conflict zones. Efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and bring an end to the violence are ongoing.
The international community has been urged to take action to address the crisis in Sudan. The Emergency Lawyers Group and other humanitarian organizations are calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and accountability for those responsible for human rights abuses. The situation in Sudan remains a pressing concern for the international community.
Key points
- The drone strike on the Abu Shandi shelter resulted in 41 civilian deaths and 26 women suffering serious injuries.
- The conflict in Sudan has led to over 9 million internally displaced people and nearly 19.5 million facing acute hunger.
- Drone strikes have accounted for the majority of civilian deaths in Sudan's conflict, with at least 880 civilians killed in the first four months of 2026.
