The air was thick with the smell of explosives when we arrived in Atbara, a city in Sudan. Earlier that day, a camp for displaced families was struck by drone attacks, part of a larger assault that left many in shock. Families had fled the violence in Khartoum, only to find themselves in the crosshairs of conflict again.
On April 25, two drone strikes hit the displacement camp. The first blast destroyed tents that had provided shelter, tragically killing children inside. The second strike targeted a school that was sheltering families who had lost their homes. The destruction was severe, with chunks of cement and plaster blasted off the walls of classrooms where families sought refuge.
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and horror. Blood marked the entrance of one temporary home, where neighbors reported that four family members were killed instantly. Mahialdeen, a neighbor whose brother and sister were injured, expressed his grief, saying, "People were torn apart. This is inhumane." He lamented that they had fled Khartoum only to be pursued by violence.
Atbara, located about 200 miles northeast of Khartoum, has become a sanctuary city held by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). However, it has faced increasing drone attacks from the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with six strikes recorded since the beginning of the year. These recent attacks have been particularly deadly, with reports confirming at least 12 casualties, including children.
The RSF is using drones more frequently, targeting civilian areas and infrastructure. In addition to the camp, a nearby power station and an empty field were also hit in the early morning hours. Satellite imagery shows that the RSF has bolstered its air capabilities, with new drones appearing at locations like Nyala Airport.
The situation is dire for survivors. In Atbara’s Police Hospital, we met a three-year-old girl named Manasiq, who was injured in the attack. She lay in bed, her head bandaged and her feet stained with dried blood. Her aunt described how the explosion had thrown her across the classroom. Sadly, another mother, Fadwa, sat helplessly beside her injured children, mourning the loss of her eight-year-old son who was killed in the first strike.
These events highlight the ongoing tragedy in Sudan, where families fleeing conflict are met with more violence. The conflict, which has escalated in recent months, shows no signs of abating, leaving many to wonder how much longer they can endure this cycle of destruction.