17 civilians killed in drone strike on market in Sudan’s North Kordofan

At least 17 civilians, including women, were killed and several others wounded when a drone struck a crowded market in the town of Al-Mazroub in Sudan’s North Kordofan state on Friday morning, local residents told Radio Tamazuj.

The attack occurred at about 10 a.m. on September 25, 2026, hitting an area filled with civilians, according to accounts from the ground. One resident said: “At 10 am this morning, a drone struck the market and killed 17 people, including women.” Residents indicated the casualty toll could rise as authorities and locals continue assessing the full impact of the strike.

Local residents blamed the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for the attack. The SAF has been battling the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023. Neither the SAF nor the RSF could be immediately reached for comment.

The incident comes amid ongoing fighting in North Kordofan, where the army has been pushing against RSF positions. On September 18, the SAF announced that its forces and allied groups had seized several areas in the state, including positions around Al-Mazroub.

Sudan’s conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the SAF and RSF, has caused widespread civilian deaths, displaced millions, and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis.