A deadly drone attack attributed to Sudanese paramilitary forces struck a secondary school and healthcare facility in southern Sudan on Wednesday, resulting in significant civilian casualties. Hospital authorities and medical organizations confirmed at least 17 fatalities, predominantly female students, with 10 additional individuals sustaining injuries.
The assault occurred in the village of Shukeiri within White Nile province, where medical professionals reported three critically injured girls requiring urgent surgical intervention. Dr. Musa al-Majeri, director of Douiem Hospital, detailed that two victims underwent emergency procedures locally while the third was transferred to Khartoum for specialized care.
Both the Sudan Doctors Network and hospital officials identified the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as responsible for the strike, emphasizing the complete absence of military targets in the affected area. The paramilitary organization has not responded to allegations regarding the attack.
Dr. Razan Al-Mahdi, spokeswoman for the medical group, characterized the incident as part of a systematic pattern of RSF violations in White Nile province, noting recent attacks on civilian infrastructure including student dormitories and power installations.
This event represents the latest escalation in Sudan’s protracted conflict, which began in April 2023 following the collapse of power-sharing arrangements between the military and RSF. The ongoing violence has primarily concentrated in the Kordofan region, where drone strikes have become increasingly frequent.
United Nations data indicates over 40,000 conflict-related deaths, though humanitarian organizations suggest actual figures may be substantially higher. The war has been marked by extensive atrocities including mass killings and sexual violence, currently under investigation by the International Criminal Court for potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The October 2023 RSF offensive in el-Fasher, Darfur, resulted in approximately 6,000 fatalities within 72 hours, with UN-commissioned experts describing the assault as bearing ‘hallmarks of genocide.’