U.N. rights chief: Drone strikes in Sudan killed more than 1,000 civilians in first five months of 2026

More than 1,000 civilians were killed by drone strikes in Sudan during the first five months of 2026, a senior United Nations human rights official said Monday, underscoring concerns that the growing use of unmanned aircraft is making the fighting more lethal for noncombatants.

The official said the toll came from drone strikes carried out during that January-through-May period, with the U.N. characterizing the attacks as causing significant civilian harm. The statement also described the drones as contributing to a deadlier pattern of violence for people not taking part in combat.

While the U.N. statement did not identify specific strike locations in the summary, it framed the civilian deaths as part of a broader deterioration of security conditions in Sudan. The official’s comments were made as the conflict continues amid competing armed groups and continued international concern about civilian protection.

The United Nations has repeatedly reported that armed conflict in Sudan has strained humanitarian access and worsened risks for families across the country. In this case, the rights official tied the unusually high early-2026 death toll specifically to unmanned aerial strikes, saying the change in tactics is raising the risk to civilians.

The U.N. statement drew attention to how drone warfare can affect civilian safety, particularly when strikes occur near populated areas or in circumstances where civilians are unable to avoid attacks. The official’s remarks added to longstanding calls for all parties to protect civilians and comply with international humanitarian law.

Following the U.N. comment, attention is likely to focus on whether accountability mechanisms and monitoring efforts can identify the individuals or units responsible for drone strikes that kill civilians. The rights office’s statement also sets a marker for future reporting on whether civilian harm decreases or accelerates as the year progresses.

For governments and international agencies, the U.N. estimate heightens the urgency of operational safeguards for civilians and of sustained pressure for compliance with the laws of war. It also reinforces the need for credible documentation of attacks, particularly in a conflict where access for independent investigators has often been limited.