Drone Strike on Sudan Mosque Kills 75 During Morning Prayers

Deadly Drone Attack Targets Worshippers in Darfur Refugee Camp

A devastating drone strike on a mosque in western Sudan has claimed at least 75 lives, according to local emergency services. The attack occurred during morning prayers at a refugee camp in El-Fasher, the last major city in Darfur still under government control.

Escalating Violence in Besieged City

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group claimed responsibility for the drone attack, which targeted worshippers at the precise moment of religious observance. El-Fasher has been under siege for over 18 months, with daily heavy fighting between government forces and the RSF rebels.

"This represents one of the most horrific attacks on civilians we've documented in this conflict," said a humanitarian worker who requested anonymity due to security concerns. "Targeting a place of worship during prayers shows complete disregard for human life and international law."

Humanitarian Catastrophe Unfolding

The ongoing conflict, which erupted in April 2023 when RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti) attempted a coup against the Sudanese government, has created what the UN calls "the world's largest humanitarian crisis." Over 11 million people have been displaced within Sudan, with 3 million fleeing to neighboring countries.

Civilians in El-Fasher face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Journalists are largely unable to access the region, making independent verification of casualty figures and conditions extremely difficult.

Drone Warfare Escalation

While the RSF has employed drones throughout the conflict, the frequency and intensity of drone attacks have increased dramatically in recent months. The paramilitary force, which grew out of the notorious Janjaweed militias, now controls most of western Sudan.

Both the RSF and government forces stand accused of widespread human rights violations, including ethnic killings, village burnings, and using civilian infrastructure for military purposes. The United States has declared the RSF's actions in Darfur as genocide.