North Kordofan: RSF Al-Obeid Drone Attack Declared War Crime

• On September 25, 2026, drone attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Al-Obeid, Sudan, killed two civilians and injured twenty others.
• The strikes targeted civilian sites including displacement shelters, power stations, and fuel facilities, marking the second such attack in a week.
• The North Kordofan State government condemned the attacks as a "flagrant violation of international humanitarian law" and a "war crime."
• Authorities emphasized the criminal nature of targeting displaced persons and civilian infrastructure, adding to a documented record of RSF abuses.
• The state government urged the international community and human rights organizations to condemn, document, and ensure accountability for the perpetrators.

The North Kordofan State government and its security committee explicitly labeled the RSF Al-Obeid drone attack as a "flagrant violation of international humanitarian law" and a "war crime."

A series of drone attacks attributed to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on Friday, September 25, 2026, resulted in the deaths of two civilians and injuries to twenty others in Al-Obeid, the capital of Sudan's North Kordofan State. The strikes targeted critical civilian infrastructure, including displacement shelters, power stations, and fuel facilities, marking a significant escalation in hostilities within the region. This incident represents the second such assault within a week on Al-Obeid, which is the largest urban center in the Kordofan region.

The North Kordofan State government and its State Security Committee swiftly issued a condemnation of the drone operations, specifically identifying the RSF's kamikaze drones as responsible. Local sources, corroborating the government's account, indicated that the aerial bombardment impacted areas in both the northern and central parts of Al-Obeid. Among the confirmed targets was a shelter housing internally displaced persons, highlighting the direct threat posed to vulnerable populations.

Authorities in North Kordofan emphasized the severe nature of these attacks, particularly the targeting of individuals who had sought refuge in shelters to escape prior violations and assaults perpetrated by the militia in their home areas. The government reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding its citizens and securing vital infrastructure, despite the ongoing threats.

The North Kordofan State government and its security committee explicitly labeled the RSF Al-Obeid drone attack as a "flagrant violation of international humanitarian law" and a "war crime." This strong condemnation underscores the gravity with which local authorities view the targeting of non-combatants and civilian sites. The official statement from the state government asserted that these actions contribute to an already documented history of abuses committed by the militia against the civilian population.

By characterizing the strikes as a war crime, the state government is signaling its intent to pursue accountability for those responsible. The targeting of displacement centers, in particular, is highlighted as an especially egregious act, given that these facilities are meant to provide safety for individuals fleeing conflict. Such actions are universally condemned under international legal frameworks designed to protect civilians during armed conflict.

In the aftermath of the deadly drone strikes, the North Kordofan State government issued an urgent appeal to the international community and various human rights and humanitarian organizations. The government called upon these bodies to fulfill their responsibilities by condemning the atrocities, meticulously documenting the incidents, and ensuring that the perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. This plea reflects a broader desire for external intervention and justice in the face of ongoing violence.

The demand for international condemnation and accountability underscores the perceived need for global pressure to deter further attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The state government's insistence on documenting these crimes is crucial for building potential cases against those responsible, reinforcing the assertion that the RSF Al-Obeid drone attack constitutes a war crime and must not go unpunished.

Source: Original reporting via Sudan Tribune