The Sudanese Alliance for Rights strongly condemns the drone attack reportedly carried out by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on Friday, 13 March 2026, in the afternoon, targeting civilians on the eastern side of Forbranga Locality in West Darfur State.
Preliminary information indicates that the attack struck a populated civilian area, resulting in unconfirmed numbers of civilians killed and injured. At this stage, the exact number of casualties remains unclear. The Sudanese Alliance for Rights will initiate an independent investigation into the incident to verify the circumstances of the attack and confirm the number of people killed and injured.
Attacks directed against civilians or civilian objects constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law (IHL). In particular, such actions may violate the principle of distinction, which obliges parties to a conflict to distinguish at all times between civilians and combatants and between civilian objects and military objectives. They may also violate the principle of proportionality, which prohibits attacks expected to cause incidental civilian harm that would be excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage. In addition, parties to the conflict are required to take all feasible precautions in an attack to avoid or minimise civilian harm. Failure to respect these obligations may amount to war crimes under international law.
The Sudanese Alliance for Rights is deeply concerned about the repeated use of drone strikes during the ongoing conflict in Sudan, many of which have reportedly struck or endangered populated areas. The continued use of such weapons in civilian-populated environments significantly increases the risk of civilian casualties and further worsens the already severe humanitarian crisis facing communities in Darfur and across Sudan.
We call on all parties to the conflict in Sudan, including the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), to fully respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and to immediately cease attacks that endanger civilians and civilian infrastructure.
We further urge the Government of Sudan, the African Union, the United Nations, and the international community to ensure prompt, independent, and impartial investigations into this attack and similar incidents. Those responsible for violations must be held accountable. In this regard, we call for continued scrutiny and action by the International Criminal Court, which has an existing mandate to investigate and prosecute serious crimes committed in Darfur.
Protecting civilians must remain a central priority. Continued attacks on populated areas deepen suffering, drive displacement, and undermine prospects for peace, justice, and stability in Sudan.
The Sudanese Alliance for Rights will continue to monitor developments and document violations to ensure that the protection of civilians remains at the forefront of national and international attention.
Sudanese Alliance for Rights
13 March 2026
