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Sudan Drone Strike Kills 28 at Market in West Kordofan
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In Short: A drone strike on a crowded market in West Kordofan, Sudan, killed 28 people and wounded dozens, according to local rights groups.
CAIRO (AP) — A drone strike on a bustling market in central Sudan on Tuesday killed 28 people and wounded dozens more, a local rights group said, part of the war that has devastated the country since 2023.
The Emergency Lawyers, a local rights group that tracks violations committed during the conflict, said the market in the town of Ghubaysh was targeted in the morning when it was overcrowded with civilians.
An official with Sudan’s army told The Associated Press that the army does not target civilians or civilian infrastructure.
Thousands across West Kordofan and nearby areas rely on the market in Ghubaysh for food and essential supplies, according to the Emergency Lawyers.
The incident highlights the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where drones have been used to kill at least 880 civilians between January and April, according to the U.N., and where at least 2,670 people, including combatants and civilians, were killed in 2025, marking a significant increase in drone-related deaths and attacks.
Background
West Kordofan is one of the 18 wilayat or provinces of Sudan. In 2006 it had an area of 111,373 km2 and an estimated population of approximately 1,320,405.
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- This is a locator map for Sudan with its capital, Khartoum. (AP Photo) CAIRO (AP) — A drone strike on a bustling market in central Sudan on Tuesday killed 28 people and wounded dozens more, a local rights group said,…
- The Emergency Lawyers, a local rights group that tracks violations committed during the conflict, said on X that the market in the town of Ghubaysh in West Kordofan province was targeted in Tuesday morning when it…
- An official with Sudan’s army told The Associated Press the army doesn’t target civilians or civilian infrastructure.
- Thousands across West Kordofan and nearby areas rely on the market in Ghubaysh for food and essential supplies, according to the Emergency Lawyers.
- United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk recently called for measures to prevent their transfer to Sudan.
- Drones killed at least 880 civilians between January and April, according to the U.N. Both the army and RSF use drones to secure contested territory, disrupt mobilization efforts and spread insecurity in areas…
- At least 2,670 people, including combatants and civilians, were killed in 2025, marking a 600% increase in drone-related deaths and an 81% increase in drone attacks compared to the previous year, the U.S.-based Armed…
- Analysts say advanced drones supplied by foreign actors have allowed the warring sides to intensify attacks on densely populated areas, deepening the conflict and fueling fears of a wider proxy war.