Drone Strike on Funeral in Sudan Claims 40 Lives

Wed Nov 05 2025 01:19:48 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A drone strike in Sudan targeting a funeral has resulted in numerous casualties. Activists blame the Rapid Support Forces for the attack amidst escalating violence in the region.

At least 40 people were killed in a drone strike during a funeral near the city of el-Obeid, Sudan. The Rapid Support Forces are accused of being responsible for the attack as violence intensifies in North Kordofan following significant military movements. UN officials decried the humanitarian crisis unfolding as civilian casualties escalate amid allegations of war crimes by paramilitary forces.

Drone Strike Results in High Casualties

At least 40 people in Sudan have been killed in a drone strike that targeted a funeral taking place outside the army-held city of el-Obeid in North Kordofan state, according to officials and activists. They have accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of carrying out the deadly attack on al-Luweib village where mourners had gathered in a tent. The RSF has not yet commented on the incident.

Many victims reportedly succumbed to their injuries before reaching a hospital in el-Obeid, a critical city connecting the capital, Khartoum, to Darfur. The violence is part of an ongoing struggle that has intensified in this oil-rich region, causing thousands to flee as the RSF took control of surrounding areas.

Context of Ongoing Conflict

This incident follows the RSF's capture of Bara, a town 30km north of el-Obeid, leading to mass displacements and fears of further atrocities. Witnesses have reported acts of mass killings, sexual violence, and looting in the areas recently taken over by RSF fighters.

The United Nations has raised alarms regarding the humanitarian situation, warning that the actions of the RSF could amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite RSF leader's promise to investigate such violations, his group has denied intent to target specific ethnic populations.

International Response and Humanitarian Crisis

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate cessation of violence, highlighting the rapid worsening of the humanitarian crisis in the region. He emphasized the urgent need for negotiations between the army and RSF in order to halt the continuous violence.

A Sudanese government source mentioned that authorities are considering a US proposal for a truce, while multiple rounds of peace talks have yet to yield results. Since the civil war erupted in April 2023, over 150,000 people are reported to have lost their lives, making it the world's largest humanitarian crisis.