Introduction
The Darfur Victims Support Organization (DVSO) follows with deep concern the escalation of drone attacks targeting civilians across Sudanese states, resulting in massive human casualties, particularly in densely populated areas. In this context, the organization has documented a strike on Al-Mujlad city in West Kordofan State on March 4, 2026, which resulted in the killing of a large number of civilians and the injury of others. This incident represents a grave violation of the rules governing the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.
Statement of Facts
Based on field information received from local sources in Al-Mujlad, a drone belonging to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) carried out an attack within the city limits on March 4, 2026. The strike led to numerous civilian deaths and injuries, sparking panic among residents amidst ongoing security risks and a collapse of basic services. Reports indicate the targeting occurred in a residential area, and the vast majority of victims were non-combatant civilians.
Initial List of Deceased Victims:
1. Ahmed Al-Sadiq Harqas (Wad Al-Omda) – Jibril Neighborhood
2. Al-Shamo Al-Sadiq Harqas (Markaziya) – Jibril Neighborhood
3. Mohamed Salah Mohamed Nour – Arkawit Neighborhood
4. Al-Nour Ibrahim Al-Nour – Arkawit Neighborhood
5. Al-Tayeb Abdel Rahman Al-Nimma – Al-Muqadima Area
6. Ajbar Saeed Ahmed – Al-Jabarat Neighborhood
7. Saber Adam – Al-Waha Neighborhood
8. Abdullah Al-Rousi – Al-Zariba Al-Qadima
9. Ali Hassan Hussein – Al-Waha Neighborhood
10. Tijani Hassan Hussein – Al-Waha Neighborhood
11. Abdel Rahman Bashir – Al-Qudaihat Area
12. Hamouda Bilal – Ajib Neighborhood
13. Mahdi Adam Hussein – Fallujah Neighborhood
14. Youssef Abdullah Ibrahim – Difaa Neighborhood
15. Sheikh Abdel Rahim Farouq – Jibril Neighborhood
16. Abulgasim Hamdoum Adam – Al-Zariba Al-Qadima
17. Issa Adam Ahmed – Jibril Neighborhood
18. Montaser Issa Moussa Ahmed – Jibril Neighborhood
19. Qasim Al-Sadiq Harqas – Al-Zariba Neighborhood
20. Muna Bashir – Al-Sahwa Neighborhood
Legal Framework
This incident occurs within the context of an ongoing armed conflict in Sudan, making International Humanitarian Law (IHL) applicable. Foremost are the Principle of Distinction, which prohibits the targeting of civilians and civilian objects, and the Principle of Proportionality, which forbids attacks expected to cause excessive incidental loss of civilian life compared to the concrete military advantage anticipated. The use of a drone in a populated city resulting in such high civilian casualties raises serious concerns regarding indiscriminate or disproportionate attacks, which are prohibited under Customary International Humanitarian Law.
Nationally, these acts constitute crimes under the Sudanese Penal Code of 1991, specifically regarding unlawful killing, causing grievous hurt, and criminal damage to property.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The DVSO affirms that the Al-Mujlad incident is a flagrant violation of civilian protection and demands an urgent investigation to ensure there is no impunity.
The Organization Recommends the Following:
• An independent and transparent investigation into the incident to identify and hold those responsible accountable.
• An immediate halt to targeting populated residential areas and full commitment to IHL rules.
• Ensuring urgent medical care for the injured and providing humanitarian aid to affected families.
• Upholding the rights of victims’ families to justice, reparation, and compensation.
• Calling on regional and international mechanisms to monitor this incident as part of ongoing monitoring and accountability efforts.
Note on Casualty Lists: The DVSO clarifies that the lists of deceased and injured provided in this report are preliminary and not exhaustive due to incomplete data at the time of documentation. Updates will be provided as verified information becomes available.
