UNICEF: Drone strike at Sudan displacement shelter kills one child, injures 12

What UNICEF reported

UNICEF said a drone strike late on 30 September 2026 hit the Al Mina Al Bari shelter for internally displaced people in Al Obeid, in Sudan's North Kordofan State. The agency reported that one boy was killed and 12 children were injured, including five boys and seven girls.

The shelter housed families already displaced from their homes, many of them multiple times. UNICEF Representative in Sudan Angela Kearney said children come to such places hoping for safety and protection, and that attacks on the places children go for protection must stop.

A pattern of drone harm

UNICEF described the incident as the latest example of the growing impact of drone attacks on children in Sudan. Between January and September 2026, more than 400 children were reportedly killed or injured, with drone attacks responsible for a significant share of those casualties.

The agency said drone attacks have damaged homes and civilian infrastructure, including schools, health facilities, water systems and markets. The disruption to essential services compounds risks for children and families affected by the conflict.

Calls to protect civilians

UNICEF called on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law. It said civilians, including children, must be protected at all times. The agency noted that displaced families across Sudan often arrive at shelters after exhausting other options for safety and continue to face challenges accessing essential services and protection.