Arabic version: مقتل أطفال في ضربة بطائرة مسيّرة على سوق الرهد
According to Allafrica, a drone attack on a market in Ar Rahad, North Kordofan, reportedly killed at least two children and injured six others aged between six and 14. The attack, reported on 21 July 2026, also reportedly killed four adults and injured more than 20 people.
UNICEF said the incident underscored the continuing toll of Sudan’s conflict on children. Markets are places where families buy food, earn a living and meet basic needs, the agency said, and should not become sites of death and devastation.
The agency said recent escalation in and around Al Obeid had drawn international attention, while reports from North Kordofan remained deeply alarming. It described Al Obeid as part of a broader crisis for children in Sudan, saying the Ar Rahad attack showed that children faced risks beyond areas receiving the most attention.
UNICEF also cited severe insecurity, displacement and growing humanitarian needs in Dilling and Kadugli in South Kordofan, parts of North Darfur, and areas affected by expanding conflict in Blue Nile. It said repeated attacks were damaging homes, schools, health facilities, water systems and markets, while insecurity on supply routes was disrupting humanitarian personnel and essential supplies. UNICEF called on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, comply with international humanitarian law, and allow safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access.
