Sudan: At Least 18 Children Killed in Wave of Airborne Attacks

KHARTOUM (Oct. 21, 2026)—At least 18 children are among hundreds of people reportedly killed in a wave of drone attacks and airstrikes across Sudan in the past week.

According to the UN, at least 10 children were reportedly killed in drone attacks over the weekend, with a further three children reportedly killed on Monday in the capital Khartoum. On Thursday, five children from the same family were reportedly killed in North Kordofan in an airstrike, with their mother surviving with injuries.

Claire Henery, Save the Children’s Country Director in Sudan, said:

"The recent wave of drone attacks across Sudan is deeply worrying for children and families already living through one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises.

"Beyond the tragic loss of life, these attacks risk further disrupting hospitals, schools and other critical services, endangering children and families already struggling to survive the consequences of war.

"Drones are changing the reality of this conflict for children. With drone and aerial attacks increasingly reaching communities far from active front lines and striking with little warning, children and families can no longer feel safe even in areas previously considered less exposed to conflict. As children return to school, this growing threat adds to their fear and insecurity. Every child should be able to go to school and return home safely."

Children should never have to live in fear of attack, whether at home, on their way to school, or while accessing health care, said Save the Children. The international community cannot look away as civilians continue to bear the brunt of this violence. All parties to the conflict must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, protect civilians, and end attacks that put children's lives and futures at risk. Sudan's children have already endured far too much loss, fear and disruption.

The ongoing conflict has caused the world's largest displacement crisis, forcing about 11 million people from their homes, reducing access to farmland, damaging infrastructure and irrigation systems and causing shortages of seeds, fertilizers and equipment.  Last week, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warned that conflict, displacement and severe El Niño-induced drought are increasing the risk of famine in parts of Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan.

Save the Children has worked in Sudan since 1983 and provides programming for children and families affected by conflict, displacement, extreme poverty and hunger.  

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