UNICEF Reports 30 Killed and Injured in North Kordofan Market Attack

Khartoum, July 22, 2026 – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reported that 30 people were killed and injured in a drone attack on the Al-Rahad market in North Kordofan State. However, the organization did not specify who was responsible for the attack. In recent weeks, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have intensified their drone attacks on Al-Rahad and Al-Ubayyid, targeting residential areas, schools, fuel and electricity stations, and markets, while simultaneously reinforcing their presence around Al-Ubayyid. Sheldon Yett, UNICEF Representative in Sudan, explained that the drone attack on the Al-Rahad market killed two children and injured six others, aged between 6 and 14. Four adults were also killed, and more than 20 people were injured. Yate noted that the attack is a stark reminder of the devastating toll children are taking across Sudan due to the ongoing conflict. He added, "Markets are places where families gather to meet their basic needs, and they should not be turned into scenes of destruction." He stressed the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and ensure humanitarian access to children and communities in need. Sheldon noted the international community's concern regarding the recent escalation of violence around El Obeid, explaining that the city is part of a broader crisis affecting children in Sudan. Sheldon emphasized that the tragic attack in El Rahad highlights the grave dangers facing children outside of broader areas of international concern. In the same vein, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) reported 21 drone attacks in North Kordofan during July, resulting in civilian casualties. One of these attacks killed five people and injured 17 others at a displacement site, while another attack on a primary school in El Obeid killed one student and injured five others. Sheldon pointed out that communities in South Kordofan, North Darfur, and affected areas in Blue Nile are experiencing deteriorating security conditions, ongoing displacement, and increasing humanitarian needs. He noted that children are paying the heaviest price as the conflict continues, causing loss of life and destroying homes, schools, health facilities, and water networks. This deprives children of healthcare, education, nutrition, clean water, and sanitation services. He explained that these conditions deepen children's fears and expose them to psychological trauma, amid escalating violations such as killing, recruitment, and sexual violence, while most schools remain closed, some having been damaged or used for military purposes.