The key facts

  • ICRC: in the first half of 2026, hospitals it supports received more than 2,700 patients with weapon-related injuries
  • According to the organization, armed drones were allegedly used mainly in the strikes
  • The ICRC urged all parties to comply with international humanitarian law

Rising civilian casualties

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday that airstrikes in Sudan in recent weeks have led to an increase in civilian casualties. According to available information, hundreds of people were killed in these strikes, which, it is believed, were carried out mainly with armed drones.

Affected sites

According to the organization, the strikes particularly affected residential neighborhoods, markets and places where displaced people are sheltering, raising serious concern about the protection of civilians.

ICRC statement

“The use of drones does not change the rules of war. Technology does not exempt those who use it from their obligations under international humanitarian law,” said Lorenzo Caraffi, head of the ICRC delegation in Sudan.

Requirements of humanitarian law

The ICRC stressed that international humanitarian law requires parties to military operations to distinguish civilians from military targets. Indiscriminate strikes or those causing excessive harm to civilians are prohibited, and all practically possible measures must be taken to protect the civilian population.

Statistics and appeal

The organization reported that hospitals receiving its support admitted more than 2,700 patients with weapon-related injuries in the first half of 2026. The ICRC called on all parties to take into account the possible consequences for civilians when using armed drones, especially in densely populated areas.