A devastating drone attack on a displacement center in Sudan's North Kordofan state has resulted in the deaths or injuries of 13 children. The attack, which occurred on October 1, 2026, targeted the "Al-Minaa Al-Bari" displacement center in the city of Al-Abiod. According to UNICEF, one boy was killed and 12 other children, including five boys and seven girls, were injured in the attack.
The displacement center, which provides shelter to internally displaced persons (IDPs), was hit by a drone strike in the late hours of the night. The attack has left many children and families without a sense of security, according to Angela Kearney, UNICEF's representative in Sudan. Kearney stated that the children and families at the center had already been forced to flee their homes and were seeking safety and protection.
The attack on the displacement center is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of drone strikes on children in Sudan. According to UNICEF, between January and September 2026, over 400 children have been killed or injured in drone attacks. The organization has attributed a significant proportion of these casualties to drone strikes, which have also damaged homes, schools, healthcare facilities, water networks, and markets.
UNICEF has condemned the attack and called on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure. The organization has also urged parties to fulfill their obligations under international humanitarian law and to ensure the protection of civilians, including children, at all times. The attack on the displacement center has highlighted the need for increased protection for vulnerable populations in Sudan.
The Sudanese conflict has resulted in significant displacement and humanitarian needs. Many children and families have been forced to flee their homes and are seeking safety and protection in displacement centers. UNICEF has expressed concern about the impact of the conflict on children and has called for an end to attacks on civilian infrastructure.
The international community has expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in Sudan. The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian needs, including the need for protection, shelter, and healthcare. UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations are working to provide assistance to affected populations, but the security situation remains a major challenge.
In the aftermath of the attack, UNICEF has reiterated its call for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. The organization has also emphasized the need for an end to drone strikes and other forms of violence that target children and families. The situation in Sudan remains volatile, and humanitarian organizations are working to provide assistance to those affected by the conflict.
Key points
- UNICEF reports 13 children killed or injured in drone attack on Sudan displacement center
- Attack highlights devastating impact of drone strikes on children in Sudan
- UNICEF calls for protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure in Sudan
