In brief
A report by the Sudan Witness Project indicates that more than 1,700 civilians have died due to airstrikes conducted by the Sudanese Armed Forces since April 2023. The strikes, which have hit residential neighborhoods, markets, schools, and camps for displaced people, are characterized by the use of unguided bombs in populated areas. The findings highlight the increasing humanitarian crisis as combatants target civilian locations, leading to significant loss of life and infrastructure damage.
Sudan's air force has carried out bombings in which at least 1,700 civilians have died in attacks on residential neighbourhoods, markets, schools and camps for displaced people, according to an investigation into air raids in the country's civil war.
The Sudan Witness Project says it has compiled the largest known dataset of military airstrikes in the conflict, which began in April 2023.
Its analysis indicates that the air force has used unguided bombs in populated areas.
The data focuses on attacks by warplanes, which only the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) is capable of operating. Its rival, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) does not have aircraft. It launches drone strikes, but drones were excluded from the research.
The RSF has been internationally condemned for allegedly carrying out ethnic massacres in Sudan's western Darfur region, triggering charges of genocide by the United States.
Mark Snoeck, who ran the project, stated, The RSF are being held responsible for a lot of damage and violations, and I think rightly so...but the SAF should also be held accountable for their actions.
The SAF denied allegations of targeting civilians, stating its operations are aimed at RSF gatherings and military targets. Sudan Witness documented 384 airstrikes between April 2023 and July 2025, reporting 1,700 civilian deaths and over 1,120 injuries, which are considered conservative estimates.
Incidences of bombings targeting residential areas, marketplaces, and educational institutions were common, reflecting a disregard for civilian safety and leading to severe consequences on humanitarian conditions.
As a result, the ongoing conflict in Sudan not only represents a military struggle but also waged a significant toll on unarmed civilians caught in the crossfire.
