The security situation in North Kordofan State deteriorated significantly throughout June 2026 as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) intensified military operations aimed at advancing toward El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State. ACJPS documented a series of attacks involving suspected drone strikes and other military operations that resulted in significant civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.
The repeated targeting of public facilities, including fuel stations in El Obeid and Tendelti, raises serious concerns regarding deliberate attacks on objects indispensable to the survival of the civilian population. These attacks have disrupted essential services, increased shortages of fuel and humanitarian supplies, and heightened fear among civilians.
The escalation in North Kordofan mirrors patterns of violations previously documented in El Fasher and other conflict-affected areas of Sudan, where civilians have borne the brunt of hostilities. As fighting expands, communities in neighbouring areas, including Al Dilling and Kadugli, remain at heightened risk of similar abuses.
Since the outbreak of armed conflict on 15 April 2023, ACJPS has consistently documented widespread violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law committed by all parties to the conflict. The continued disregard for the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution demonstrates an alarming failure to protect civilians.
Mohamed Badawi, Director of the Monitoring Programme at ACJPS, stated: “The international community must act urgently to prevent civilians in North Kordofan from suffering the same grave violations witnessed elsewhere in Sudan. The continued attacks against civilians, together with the growing practice of arbitrary detention and ransom demands, illustrate the complete disregard by parties to the conflict for fundamental human rights and the rules of war.”
ACJPS documented several attacks across North and West Kordofan States resulting in the deaths of at least 96 civilians, including women and children.
The documented incidents include:
- At least 38 civilians were killed instantly following suspected RSF drone strikes.
- An RSF ground attack on Al Murah and Umm Sadoun reportedly killed 58 civilians.
- In Kadam, West Kordofan State, a suspected RSF drone strike killed 10 civilians, including eight children and one woman.
- An additional 10 civilians were reportedly killed during fighting in Bara, North Kordofan State.
At least 18 civilians, including two children, were killed following a suspected drone strike targeting two civilian vehicles travelling between Umm Badr and Armal in North Kordofan State.
At least two civilians were killed when suspected drone strikes targeted Al Khashash and Al Bageriat areas of North Kordofan State.
A suspected drone strike on the market in Abu Zabad, located within Hamrat El Sheikh Locality, killed at least 11 civilians.
At least 13 civilians were killed after multiple suspected drone strikes targeted areas within Hamrat El Sheikh Locality, North Kordofan State.
Suspected drone strikes targeted two civilian vehicles near Edid Village, on the road linking Umm Badr to Northern State. ACJPS continues to verify casualty figures arising from this incident.
At least five civilians were killed following two suspected drone strikes targeting El Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan State.
At least 15 civilians were killed after a suspected drone strike targeted El Obeid.
The repeated attacks documented by ACJPS raise serious concerns under international humanitarian law. Parties to the conflict are obligated at all times to distinguish between civilians and combatants, and between civilian objects and military objectives.
The reported attacks on markets, civilian vehicles, residential areas, and fuel stations may constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law. Where such attacks are intentionally directed against civilians or civilian objects, or carried out indiscriminately or disproportionately, they may amount to war crimes.
The destruction of fuel infrastructure and disruption of essential civilian services further risks exacerbating the humanitarian crisis by limiting access to transportation, healthcare, food supplies, and humanitarian assistance.
Conclusion
The continued escalation of violence in North Kordofan State demonstrates the expanding geographic scope of Sudan’s armed conflict and the increasing vulnerability of civilians. The pattern of repeated attacks against populated areas and civilian infrastructure reflects an alarming disregard for civilian protection.
Without urgent action by the parties to the conflict and sustained international engagement, civilians in North Kordofan risk experiencing violations comparable to those already documented in Darfur and other conflict-affected regions.
Recommendation
ACJPS calls upon:
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) to:
- Immediately cease all attacks directed against civilians and civilian objects.
- Comply fully with their obligations under international humanitarian law, including the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution.
- Refrain from using explosive weapons and drones in populated civilian areas.
- Facilitate safe and unhindered humanitarian access to affected communities.
The United Nations, African Union, and international community to:
- Increase monitoring of violations committed in North Kordofan State.
- Support independent investigations into attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.
- Ensure accountability for perpetrators of serious violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law
- Increase humanitarian assistance for civilians displaced or affected by the escalating hostilities.
The international accountability mechanisms to:
- Preserve evidence relating to attacks against civilians in North Kordofan.
- Investigate whether the documented incidents amount to war crimes or other violations under international law.