A devastating drone strike targeted artisanal gold miners in Abu Shandi, also known as Medina 6, in Wad al-Mahi Locality, Sudan's Blue Nile state, on Friday, resulting in the deaths of over 20 people, mostly women and children. The attack, which occurred on October 9, 2026, has been widely condemned by local sources and civil society groups.
According to Ali Hajjo, Secretary-General of the Blue Nile Civil Society Initiative, the drone strike hit a water facility in Abu Shandi, killing many people, mostly women and children. The initiative has accused Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of carrying out the attack using a suicide drone, although this allegation could not be independently verified.
The Blue Nile Civil Society Initiative has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the attack, urging authorities to hold those responsible accountable. The group has also appealed for urgent medical assistance to be provided to the wounded and for measures to be taken to protect civilians and essential infrastructure, including water sources relied upon by residents and displaced people.
Issam Geisan, a civil society activist in Blue Nile state, reported that the area was hosting large numbers of displaced people who had not been included on lists for humanitarian assistance. Many had turned to artisanal gold mining to earn money to support their families, with women making up a large proportion of those working in the mining area.
Geisan estimated that over 20 displaced people had been killed in the strike, most of them women, and noted that the nearest military base was between 30 and 50 km from the site. He called on humanitarian and human rights organisations to document the incident and urged all parties to respect international humanitarian law, which requires the protection of civilians during armed conflict.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has resulted in significant humanitarian crises, including the displacement of millions of people and the devastation of infrastructure. The RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been engaged in a power struggle, leading to widespread violence and restricting access to humanitarian assistance across large parts of the country.
The situation in Blue Nile state remains dire, with many displaced families struggling to meet their basic needs. The international community has been urged to take action to protect civilians and provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict.
Key points
- Over 20 people, mostly women and children, killed in drone strike on gold miners in Blue Nile state.
- The attack has been attributed to Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) by the Blue Nile Civil Society Initiative.
- The conflict in Sudan has resulted in significant humanitarian crises, including the displacement of millions of people and the devastation of infrastructure.
