On February 16, 2026, a devastating drone strike on the Al-Safiya market in North Kordofan, Sudan, has resulted in at least 28 civilian deaths and numerous injuries. The attack occurred during a busy market day, highlighting the severe humanitarian crisis in the region. Emergency Lawyers, a rights group monitoring the conflict, stated, "The attack occurred when the market was bustling with civilians, including women, children, and the elderly," and warned that the casualty figures could rise as the situation develops. This incident is part of a broader pattern of escalating violence in Sudan, where drone strikes have increasingly targeted populated areas, raising alarms about the disregard for civilian lives. The UN human rights chief recently reported that nearly 90 civilians were killed in similar strikes over a two-week period, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and protection for civilians amidst the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).