The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said Wednesday he was alarmed by reports that more than 50 civilians were killed in drone strikes carried out by parties to Sudan’s conflict over two days this week.
Volker Türk said the reported attacks highlight the growing toll of drone warfare on civilians.
“These latest killings are yet another reminder of the devastating consequences on civilians of the escalating use of drone warfare in Sudan,” Türk said in a statement. He added that the strikes reflect a pattern of attacks on civilian infrastructure, including markets, health facilities and schools.
Separate drone strikes on Feb. 15 and 16 reportedly killed at least 57 civilians, including 15 children, across four states, according to the U.N. human rights office.
On Feb. 15, an alleged Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) drone struck Al Safiya market in Sudari locality in North Kordofan state, killing 28 civilians and wounding 13 others, the office said.
The following day in West Kordofan state, an alleged SAF drone hit a shelter for internally displaced people in Al Sunut, killing 26 civilians, including 15 children, and injuring 15 others.
Also on Feb. 16, alleged Rapid Support Forces (RSF) drones struck two primary schools in Dilling, South Kordofan state. Casualties were not immediately known.
In Sennar state, an alleged RSF drone hit Al-Mazmoun Hospital on Feb. 15, killing at least three civilians and injuring seven others, including a medical worker, the U.N. office said.
In West Darfur state, an alleged SAF drone struck a fuel store inside a market in Adikong on the same day. Casualties were reported but not independently confirmed.
“The continued attacks by all parties on civilian objects must stop,” Türk said. He urged the warring sides to take urgent measures to protect civilians and refrain from using civilian sites for military purposes.
Türk renewed his call for an immediate end to the violence and for the parties to engage in dialogue toward a ceasefire. He also urged countries with influence over the sides to halt arms transfers that he said are fueling the conflict and undermining civilian protection.