Drone Strike Kills 80 Civilians Near Market in Sudan's West Kordofan

A drone strike on Sunday evening, October 18, 2026, in Al-Dibab, West Kordofan, Sudan, killed at least 80 people near a market and bus stop[1][2]. The attack adds to the significant civilian death toll in the ongoing conflict in Sudan, highlighting the direct impact of violence on ordinary people[3][6].

What the records show

The drone strike occurred in the town of Al-Dibab, located in West Kordofan state, on Sunday evening[1][2]. A direct witness, Ahmed Abakar Wadi, reported helping to bury 50 bodies, including his brother Mohamed[2][3][4]. Wadi stated the attack happened at "a transport hub where people gather to travel back to their villages after the market day ends"[3]. He also recounted two separate strikes, approximately 10 minutes apart[3].

Medical sources confirmed that an additional 30 individuals died from their injuries after being transported for treatment to the nearby town of Al-Mujlad, bringing the total reported fatalities to 80[1][2][5]. Most of the victims were commuters waiting for trucks to return home from the market[5][6]. The strike is considered one of the deadliest single attacks since the conflict began in April 2023[3][6].

The timeline

The drone strike took place on Sunday evening, October 18, 2026[1][2]. Reports of the incident emerged on Monday, October 19, 2026[2][3][4].

What changed and for whom

The lives of at least 80 people were ended, and their families and communities were left to cope with the sudden loss[1][2][6]. The attack specifically targeted an area where people were congregating at the end of a market day, affecting civilians engaged in daily activities[3][5][6]. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in an estimated 200,000 deaths and created a large-scale humanitarian crisis[3].

What the subject has said publicly

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF)-declared administration, known as Tasis, accused the Sudanese army of carrying out the drone strike[3][6]. West Kordofan state, where the attack occurred, is currently under RSF control[3].

What we could not confirm

We could not confirm which specific entity was responsible for launching the drone that carried out the strike[3][6]. The exact number of injured individuals who survived or are still receiving treatment also remains unconfirmed[3].