Sudan Conflict: Growing use of explosive barrels and allegedly prohibited weapons
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to worsen, with reports of widespread attacks on healthcare facilities and the alleged use of prohibited weapons like vacuum bombs. International organizations are calling for investigations as millions remain in need of urgent assistance.
Why it matters
The escalation of violence and the targeting of civilian infrastructure highlight a severe international humanitarian emergency.
A cloud of smoke in Khartoum, Sudan during an attack/XINHUA
Sudan has been witnessing a bloody conflict since mid-April 2023 between the army affiliated with the Port Sudan authorities and the Sudan Founding Alliance “Tasis,” amid a humanitarian crisis that has left more than one million Sudanese in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 37% of Sudan’s health facilities—more than one-third—were no longer able to provide services in 2026.
Altaf Musani, Director of the WHO Department of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, said that attacks on health facilities and healthcare workers as a result of the war had caused grave repercussions for the health sector.
He noted that the organization had recorded more than 900 attacks on healthcare in Sudan between January and August 2026. Those attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 900 people and injured more than 1,400 others.
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