Conflicting Reports over Drone Strike in RSF-Controlled Katila, South Darfur

Both RSF recruits and civilians apparently among the dead

Victims in a mass grave in Katila, South Darfur

A drone strike on the RSF-controlled town of Katila in South Darfur on December 8 killed a combination of civilians and RSF personnel, according to local media and rights groups, though sources differ on the number of casualties and whether most were civilians or soldiers.

The human rights organization Darfur Victims Support published a preliminary list of names of the dead and wounded and reported that more than 80 people were killed and around 100 injured. The group said most victims were civilians, including women, children, and elderly residents, and that at least four people remained missing. Several of the wounded were transferred to hospitals in Tulus, Edd al-Fursan, and Nyala, where medical staff reported shortages of supplies and personnel.

Separately, Darfur24, citing medical and local officials, reported similar casualty figures and stated that multiple guided munitions struck a public gathering in front of the police building, parts of the market, and sections of the al-Salam neighborhood.

Among the dead was the Nyala Radio correspondent, Dhowai Mohammed Dow al-Bait. Three tribal leaders were missing, according to Darfur 24: Mohammed Ya’qub, nazir (chief) of the Tarjam tribe; Yusuf Ali al-Ghali, nazir of the Habbaniya; and Ali Hussein al-Nur, emir of the Southern Rizeigat.

Evidence from the Scene

A video of the strike, reviewed by Sudan War Monitor, appears to show a gathering of men outdoors as music plays, indicating a celebration of some kind, such as a graduation ceremony for a new batch of RSF recruits. Some of them are wearing the khaki-colored uniforms and kadmool (turban) usually worn by RSF fighters, while others are in traditional garb.

RSF-affiliated media reported that among the injured was Yusuf Idris Yusuf, the head of the RSF-run state administration of South Darfur, while members of his retinue were killed or injured. A white Toyota Land Cruiser, of the kind often used by government officials in the region, appeared in photos and videos from the scene, severely damaged.

Darfuri media reported that the drone targeted the RSF official’s convoy. If true, it may have tracked the convoy en route from Nyala, the regional capital, until it arrived in Katila and then launched a guided missile at it after arriving at an RSF gathering. Alternatively, SAF may have been informed of the gathering in advance by an informant in Katila.

Following the attack, the RSF conducted arrests in Katila and confiscated mobile phones, searching for suspected collaborators.

Accounts differ on whether the gathering targeted was a civilian event or a legitimate RSF military target. RSF-run media claimed the event was a civilian welcoming ceremony for visiting authorities.

Yusuf Idris Yusuf, the de facto governor of South Darfur

Multiple sources reported that several missiles were used and that more than one location in Katila was struck. Some accounts stated that six guided munitions were fired.