A deadly drone strike on a major hospital in western Sudan has killed at least 64 people, including children and medical staff, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The attack took place on Friday night during Eid celebrations, marking another grim chapter in the country’s ongoing civil war.
The hospital, located in el-Daein—the capital of East Darfur—was struck amid heavy fighting between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The RSF accused the army of carrying out the strike using a drone, though the military has denied any involvement, saying it adheres to international laws.
Among the victims were 13 children, two nurses, and one doctor. An additional 89 people were wounded in the attack, which left el-Daein Teaching Hospital severely damaged and no longer operational. The loss of the facility has cut off critical medical care for thousands of civilians in the region.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the strike and the continued targeting of healthcare facilities. In a public statement, he called for an immediate de-escalation of violence, emphasizing that “health care should never be a target” and urging all sides to protect civilians and humanitarian workers.
The destruction of the hospital is part of a broader pattern. Since the conflict began in April 2023, the WHO has confirmed over 200 attacks on healthcare facilities, resulting in more than 2,000 deaths. Rights groups warn that such incidents are depriving already vulnerable populations of lifesaving services.
Sudan’s civil war erupted after a power struggle between the army and the RSF, former allies who seized control in a 2021 coup. The conflict has since spiraled into what the United Nations describes as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. More than 150,000 people have been killed, and roughly 12 million have been displaced—nearly one-third of the country’s population.
Local advocacy group Emergency Lawyers has called for an independent investigation into the hospital attack, stressing the need for accountability. The group noted that el-Daein Teaching Hospital was a vital resource for civilians across East Darfur and nearby regions.
The attack comes as Sudanese communities marked Eid al-Fitr, a holiday that typically celebrates the end of Ramadan. This year, however, celebrations were subdued, overshadowed by violence and loss.
Fighting continues across key regions, including East Darfur and neighboring Kordofan, where near-daily drone strikes have intensified. Despite ongoing international efforts, including U.S.-led peace initiatives, there is little sign that the conflict will end soon.
As the war drags on, the destruction of critical infrastructure like hospitals highlights the deepening humanitarian toll—and the growing urgency for a ceasefire.
