UN Human Rights Chief Issues High Alert: 880 Civilians Killed by Drone Strikes January–April 2026

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk issued a 'high alert' on May 11, 2026, strongly condemning the rising use of armed unmanned aerial vehicles in Sudan's civil war and warning of intensified and widening violence in the coming weeks. The OHCHR reported that at least 880 civilians were killed and more than 770 injured by drone strikes between January and April 2026 — a significant increase beyond the Q1-only estimate of 700+ previously cited. Drone strikes accounted for over 80% of all conflict-related civilian deaths documented in this period. Civilian markets were targeted at least 28 times, and health facilities were struck at least 12 times. Türk's statement specifically cited May 8 drone strikes in Al Quz (South Kordofan) and near El Obeid (North Kordofan) that killed at least 26 civilians. The OHCHR noted both SAF and RSF continue to use armed drones against populated areas with documented civilian impact. Türk warned that the combination of intensifying drone warfare, continued obstruction of humanitarian access, the escalating Sudan-Ethiopia-UAE confrontation, and RSF troop movements near the Libya-Egypt-Sudan border triangle create conditions for 'widening conflict' that would further devastate civilian populations across multiple front lines. The statement follows the UN Secretary-General's condemnation of the April 10 Kutum wedding massacre and the UN's 2026 humanitarian appeal remaining only 16% funded.