Red Cross warns aerial attacks in Sudan cause rise in civilian harm

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Aerial attacks in Sudan have led to an increase in civilian casualties in recent weeks, with hundreds of people reportedly killed in strikes believed to have largely involved armed drones, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Thursday.

The ICRC said the attacks have particularly affected residential neighborhoods, markets and locations housing displaced people, raising serious concerns about civilian protection.

"The use of drones does not change the rules of war. Technology does not absolve those who use it of their obligations under international humanitarian law," said Lorenzo Caraffi, the ICRC's head of delegation in Sudan, in a statement.

The organization stressed that international humanitarian law requires parties involved in military operations to distinguish civilians from military targets.

It also underlined that attacks that fail to distinguish between targets or cause excessive civilian harm are prohibited, while all practicable measures must be taken to protect civilians.

The ICRC said hospitals receiving its assistance treated more than 2,700 patients with weapon-related injuries during the first half of 2026.

It urged all parties to consider the potential consequences for civilians when deploying armed drones, particularly in populated areas.

Beyza Binnur Dönmez