Drone Attack in Sudan Kills 50, Including 33 Children, in Devastating Kindergarten Strike

A drone attack by the Sudanese paramilitary forces hit a kindergarten in south-central Sudan, killing 50 people, including 33 children, a doctors' group said. The attack occurred in the town of Kalogi in South Kordofan state, where paramedics on the scene were targeted in "a second unexpected attack," the group stated late Friday. The death toll is expected to be higher, but communication blackouts in the area have made it difficult to report casualties. The attack is the latest in the fighting between the paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces, also known as the RSF, and the Sudanese military, who have been at war for over two years. The conflict has now concentrated in the oil-rich Kordofan states. According to Dr. Amira Sabry, a pediatrician and member of the Sudanese Medical Association, "The attack on a kindergarten is a devastating blow to the children and families of South Kordofan. The trauma and emotional distress caused by such an attack can have long-lasting effects on the mental health of the survivors." The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Representative for Sudan, Sheldon Yett, condemned the attack in a statement Friday, saying, "Killing children in their school is a horrific violation of children's rights. Children should be protected from harm and violence, not targeted in attacks." Yett emphasized that the attack highlights the need for increased protection and support for civilians, particularly children, in conflict zones. The conflict in Sudan has resulted in significant humanitarian needs, including access to medical care, food, and shelter. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the ongoing conflict has disrupted essential health services, leaving many communities without access to basic medical care. The WHO has called for increased support to address the humanitarian needs of the affected populations. The Sudanese government has not commented on the attack, but the RSF has been accused of numerous human rights abuses during the conflict. The RSF has denied these allegations, but human rights groups have documented numerous cases of civilian casualties and displacement. The situation in South Kordofan remains volatile, with ongoing fighting between the RSF and the Sudanese military. The international community has called for a ceasefire and an end to the violence. The humanitarian situation in the region continues to deteriorate, with many civilians in need of assistance.