A devastating attack by Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has left more than a hundred people dead, including numerous children, according to local and military sources. The violence occurred in Kordofan State, highlighting the escalating humanitarian crisis in the country.
Speaking to Al Jazeera on Saturday, the Executive Director of Kalogi in Kordofan confirmed that 46 of those killed were children attending a local kindergarten. Two government-aligned Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) sources reported that the RSF carried out the attack on Thursday, targeting the school directly. Following the initial strike, the RSF reportedly launched an additional assault aimed at civilians who had gathered at the scene to provide assistance.
The sources added that the city’s hospital and a nearby government building were also struck by bombings, further compounding the crisis. Disrupted communications in the region have made it extremely difficult to verify casualty numbers, and officials warn that the toll could rise as more information becomes available.
In response to the tragedy, Sheldon Yett, UNICEF’s Representative in Sudan, condemned the killing of children in educational settings as a severe violation of children’s rights. “Children should never bear the cost of conflict,” he said in a statement issued on Friday. Yett called on all parties involved to immediately cease attacks on civilians and schools and to ensure the protection of children in conflict zones.
The attack is part of ongoing hostilities between the RSF and government forces, which have intensified in recent months, causing widespread displacement and civilian casualties. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that schools, hospitals, and other civilian infrastructure are increasingly under threat in the conflict.
Local authorities and international observers continue to monitor the situation closely, but access to affected areas remains limited due to security concerns. Aid organisations have emphasised the urgent need for safe corridors to assist survivors, provide medical care, and prevent further loss of life.
Summary of the Kordofan attack
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Kordofan State, Sudan |
| Perpetrator | Rapid Support Forces (RSF) |
| Date of initial attack | Thursday |
| Total reported deaths | Over 100 |
| Children killed | 46 (kindergarten students) |
| Additional targets | Civilians aiding victims, hospital, government building |
| UNICEF response | Condemned killing of children; called for immediate cessation of attacks |
The attack underscores the severe risks faced by civilians in the ongoing Sudanese conflict and raises urgent concerns about violations of international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of children and non-combatants.