Deadly Drone Strike Hits Busy Market in Sudan’s Darfur, Killing More Than 100 People

A devastating drone strike on a crowded market in Nyala, South Darfur, Sudan, has left more than 100 people reportedly dead and over 100 others injured, highlighting the growing dangers faced by civilians amid the country’s ongoing conflict.

The attack occurred on Monday evening, October 26, 2026, at Tanqong Market in the Dumaya neighbourhood of Nyala. The market was reportedly busy with traders, shoppers and people selling food and other essential goods when the strike occurred.

Emergency Lawyers, a Sudanese rights group monitoring violence, reported that more than 100 people were killed and 113 injured. However, the final casualty figures remain uncertain because access to the affected area is limited and independent verification has been difficult.

Civilians Caught in a Devastating Attack

Witness accounts indicate that civilians were among those killed when the drone struck the market. Women selling tea and food, other traders and people going about their daily activities were reportedly caught in the explosion.

The attack took place in an area where members of Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) had reportedly gathered. Witnesses told journalists that civilians often sell food, drinks and other goods near locations frequented by fighters because the conflict has severely reduced employment opportunities.

The presence of armed personnel in the area has complicated efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack. Nevertheless, civilians remain entitled to protection under international humanitarian law.

The tragedy has renewed concerns about the increasing use of drones in Sudan’s war and the devastating consequences for people living in affected communities.

Hospitals Struggle to Treat the Wounded

Medical facilities in Nyala have faced enormous pressure following the attack.

Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders, reported that the Nyala Teaching Hospital it supports received 36 bodies following the strike. Medical teams also treated more than 150 wounded patients, including women and children.

Some victims reportedly suffered severe burns and shrapnel injuries. The injured were transported to medical facilities using available vehicles, including tuk-tuks and donkey-drawn carts.

The medical organisation also reported that a second strike hit a residential neighbourhood, further increasing concerns about civilian safety.

Health workers have been forced to respond to large numbers of casualties while operating in an environment affected by insecurity, shortages and damaged infrastructure.

Conflicting Reports About the Death Toll

Although Emergency Lawyers reported more than 100 deaths, other sources have provided different figures.

The Sudan Doctors Network initially reported at least 21 deaths and more than 40 injuries, while the hospital supported by Doctors Without Borders documented 36 bodies received after the strike.

These differences demonstrate the challenges of verifying casualty figures during active military operations. The final number of people killed or injured may change as additional information becomes available.

Authorities and humanitarian organisations have called for greater protection of civilians and further investigation into attacks affecting populated areas.

Sudan’s War Continues to Deepen the Humanitarian Crisis

Sudan has been engulfed in war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023. The conflict has displaced millions of people, damaged essential infrastructure and disrupted access to food, healthcare and other necessities.

Nyala, which is controlled by the RSF, has experienced repeated attacks as fighting continues across the country.

Drone warfare has become an increasingly serious threat, with attacks affecting markets, residential neighbourhoods and critical infrastructure. The resulting destruction has made daily life more dangerous for civilians already struggling with poverty and food shortages.

Calls for Civilian Protection and Accountability

The latest attack has intensified calls for all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and keep military operations away from markets, homes and other essential civilian locations.

Humanitarian organisations stress that people must be able to obtain food, access medical treatment and earn a living without facing the constant threat of bombardment.

An independent investigation could help establish the circumstances of the strike, verify casualty figures and determine responsibility.

As Sudan’s conflict continues, the tragedy in Nyala serves as another reminder of the immense human cost of war. Protecting civilians, ensuring humanitarian access and holding those responsible for unlawful attacks accountable remain urgent priorities.