A devastating drone strike on the El-Daein teaching hospital in East Darfur has resulted in the deaths of at least 64 individuals, with an additional 89 sustaining injuries, according to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO). The attack, which occurred on 20 March 2026, has drawn widespread condemnation, as it is believed to have targeted not only patients but also healthcare workers and vital medical supplies.
The Attack’s Details
The drone strike has been attributed to the Sudanese army amidst the ongoing conflict between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF, which holds sway over the western Darfur region, is currently being contested by the army, which controls the eastern, central, and northern parts of the country. Eyewitness accounts and reports from local rights group Emergency Lawyers confirm that the El-Daein hospital was struck by an army-operated drone, a grim reflection of the conflict’s escalating violence.
The WHO’s surveillance system has categorised the incident as a confirmed attack on a secondary healthcare facility, marking it as part of a troubling pattern of assaults on medical establishments throughout the war. Although the WHO does not assign culpability, it has noted the significant impact on medical personnel, patients, and resources as a result of such violence.
Ongoing Conflict and Escalating Casualties
The town of El-Daein has faced repeated assaults, particularly as the army intensifies its efforts to push RSF forces toward their strongholds in Darfur. Earlier this month, a strike on the local market ignited oil barrels, leading to extensive fires and further highlighting the volatility of the region. The use of drones has become a pervasive tactic in this brutal conflict, resulting in indiscriminate casualties, particularly in southern Kordofan, where strikes have claimed numerous lives in rapid succession.
In a recent statement, UN human rights chief Volker Türk expressed his horror at the escalating violence, noting that over 200 civilians had been killed by drone attacks within just eight days. He emphasised the growing trend among warring factions to deploy more powerful drones equipped with explosive weaponry in densely populated areas, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The ongoing conflict has had dire humanitarian implications, with the UN reporting that over 11 million people have been displaced and tens of thousands have lost their lives since the violence erupted. The situation in Sudan has been described as one of the most severe displacement and hunger crises globally, with more than 33 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
As the war rages on, attacks on healthcare facilities have been particularly alarming. Since the conflict erupted, over 1,800 individuals have been killed in assaults on medical establishments, including 173 healthcare workers. This year alone, there have been 12 recorded attacks on health services, resulting in 178 fatalities and 237 injuries, further highlighting the precarious state of healthcare in the region.
Why it Matters
The drone strike on the El-Daein teaching hospital is not just a tragic incident; it epitomises the broader crisis engulfing Sudan. The targeting of healthcare facilities undermines the very essence of humanitarian principles and puts countless lives at risk. As the conflict escalates, the international community must urgently address the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe and hold accountable those responsible for such egregious violations of human rights. The situation calls for immediate intervention to protect civilians and restore a semblance of safety in a region plagued by violence and despair.
