Sudanese army drone strike kills 35 at North Darfur court, Emergency Lawyers says
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Sudanese army drones struck a traditional court in North Darfur on Sunday, killing at least 35 people, the Emergency Lawyers group said. The attack targeted a hearing held under a tree in the village of Garra al-Zawaya, which is under RSF control. It came as both sides intensify drone warfare, with the UN documenting over 1,000 civilian deaths from drone strikes in the first five months of 2026.
The Court Strike
The strike hit a village court in Garra al-Zawaya, about 150 km west of el-Fasher, at around 1pm local time on Sunday. Local leaders and RSF commanders were among those killed, a witness told AFP. The village is under RSF control, and the area has seen heavy fighting since the RSF captured el-Fasher in October 2025. Emergency Lawyers, which documents abuses, said the court building was damaged and that the session was being held under a tree with community leaders.
Drone Warfare Intensifies
The Sudanese army and RSF have increasingly turned to drones since the war erupted in April 2023. The UN recorded more than 1,000 civilians killed by drone strikes in the first five months of 2026 alone. The conflict has displaced millions, creating what the UN calls the world's largest humanitarian crisis. Violence in Darfur has drawn genocide accusations from UN investigators.
What's Next
Both sides are expected to continue drone operations as ground fighting remains stalemated. It remains unclear whether international pressure will halt the mounting civilian toll.
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Sudanese army drone strike kills 35 at North Darfur court, Emergency Lawyers says
