A drone strike targeting a courthouse during hours when civilians were present in large numbers in Um Rawaba, a city in Sudan’s North Kordofan state, killed 13 people and injured 22, according to initial assessments.
The targeted building was a courthouse. The incident renewed concerns about the safety of civilian and judicial institutions as Sudan’s war continues to cause severe humanitarian consequences.
Doctors and lawyers call for an investigation
The Sudan Doctors Network condemned the strike, saying it violated the principle of distinguishing between civilian and military targets. The network said the attack violated international humanitarian law.
The Sudan Doctors Network called for an immediate halt to attacks on cities, residential areas and civilian facilities, and urged the protection of civilians.
The Emergency Lawyers group also condemned the targeting of judicial institutions and civilians. The group called for an independent and transparent investigation to fully establish the circumstances of the attack.
Drone strikes increase in North Kordofan
In recent months, RSF drone strikes have increased in several areas of North Kordofan, including the state capital, El Obeid. Numerous civilians have been killed in these attacks.
The RSF has not yet issued a statement on the attack in Um Rawaba.
Human toll of Sudan’s war
Tens of thousands of people have been killed in the war between Sudan’s army and the RSF, which has continued since April 2023, according to estimates by the United Nations and international organizations. About 13 million people have been displaced by the war.