The United Nations and the Sudan Doctors Network (SDN) have confirmed that a drone strike hit a mosque and attached Quranic boarding school in Al-Rahad, North Kordofan State, killing two children and injuring at least 13 others.
According to SDN and local witnesses, the strike occurred during dawn prayers on February 11 at the Sheikh Ahmed al-Badawi Mosque, which houses students enrolled in Quranic studies. All reported casualties were children studying at the religious school.
Local sources attributed the strike to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), although the group has not issued a public response.
Escalation in the Kordofan Region
The incident comes amid intensified fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the RSF across the Kordofan region.
Recent reported incidents include:
- Kadugli, South Kordofan (February 10): Projectiles struck a World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse, damaging food storage facilities and humanitarian supplies.
- Dilling, South Kordofan (February 10): A drone strike hit a primary school, causing civilian injuries.
- Near El Obeid, North Kordofan (February 6): A drone attack targeted a WFP-contracted aid convoy, killing one person and destroying relief goods.
- Near Al-Rahad (February 7): A separate drone strike reportedly hit a vehicle carrying civilians fleeing violence, killing 24 people, including eight children.
The UN has expressed concern over what it describes as a pattern of attacks affecting civilian and humanitarian infrastructure.
International Reaction
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated that civilians and civilian infrastructure, including places of worship, schools, and hospitals, must not be targeted under international humanitarian law.
On February 12, a joint statement issued by the Quintet — the United Nations, African Union (AU), European Union (EU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the League of Arab States — warned that the security situation in Kordofan and neighboring Blue Nile State is deteriorating rapidly.
The statement called on all parties to cease attacks on civilians and ensure safe humanitarian access.
Humanitarian Impact
Sudan’s conflict, now nearing its third year, has displaced millions and severely disrupted food supply chains and essential services. Aid agencies warn that continued attacks on transport routes, warehouses, and public facilities risk worsening food insecurity and limiting humanitarian access.
Observers say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can contain further escalation in central Sudan.
