Sudan Drone Strike Kills 17, Including Schoolgirls, in Shukeiri Village
At least 17 people, predominantly schoolgirls, were killed on Wednesday when an explosive-laden drone, attributed to Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), targeted a secondary school and a health care centre in the village of Shukeiri, located in White Nile province. The attack also left at least 10 individuals wounded, according to Dr Musa al-Majeri, director of Douiem Hospital, the nearest major medical facility to the village.
Details of the Attack and Casualties
Dr al-Majeri reported that three girls sustained serious injuries in the strike. Two of them underwent surgeries at Douiem Hospital, while the third was evacuated to the capital, Khartoum, for advanced medical treatment. The war-tracking Sudan Doctors Network initially disclosed the incident, confirming that those killed included two teachers and a health care worker. The group emphasised that there was no military presence in Shukeiri at the time of the attack, highlighting the civilian nature of the targets.
Both the medical group and Dr al-Majeri have directly blamed the RSF for the drone strike. The paramilitary force has not responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations. Dr Razan Al-Mahdi, a spokeswoman for the Sudan Doctors Network, condemned the attack, stating, "This horrific crime represents a continuation of the violations committed by the RSF in the White Nile." She added that the RSF had attacked several civilian facilities over the past two days, including a student dormitory and a power station.
Context of Sudan's Ongoing Conflict
The strike in Shukeiri marks the latest deadly incident in Sudan's nearly three-year war, which began in April 2023 when a power struggle between the military and the RSF erupted into open fighting in Khartoum and other regions. According to United Nations figures, the devastating conflict has resulted in over 40,000 deaths, though aid groups warn that the actual toll could be significantly higher.
The fighting has largely centred on the Kordofan region, where daily reports of deadly attacks, often involving drones, have become commonplace. The war has been characterised by widespread atrocities, including mass killings, gang rapes, and other crimes, which are under investigation by the International Criminal Court as potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.
In a recent escalation, the RSF and its Janjaweed allies overran the Darfur city of el-Fasher in October. UN-commissioned experts described the assault as bearing "hallmarks of genocide," with the UN's Human Rights Office reporting at least 6,000 fatalities within three days during that period. The abandoned African village of Al Birka, approximately 30km from el-Fasher, stands as a stark reminder of the conflict's devastating impact on civilian populations.
As the war persists, international observers continue to monitor the situation closely, urging accountability and humanitarian aid for the affected communities.
