A devastating drone strike by the Sudanese Armed Forces on Christmas morning resulted in the deaths of 11 Christians as they made their way to worship in Julud, Sudan. According to Morning Star News, the victims were part of a congregation marching in procession when they were targeted. In addition to the fatalities, 18 other individuals sustained injuries in the attack.
The drone strike did not directly hit the Episcopal Church of Sudan, which the believers were approaching at the time of the assault. This incident is part of a series of attacks in the region, highlighting the ongoing violence that has plagued Sudan amidst its civil conflict. Earlier in December, another drone strike killed 10 children aged between 5 and 7 at a kindergarten, while a separate incident on November 29 targeted a medical center, resulting in 12 deaths, including women and children.
The conflict in Sudan sees the Sudanese Armed Forces engaged in a civil war against the Rapid Support Forces, with both factions reportedly showing hostility towards the Christian minority. A ministry monitoring religious persecution, Open Doors, noted that Sudan was previously on a path towards greater religious freedom before the outbreak of war.
Yet, the current climate has created an environment where Islamist extremists feel emboldened to target Christians. “Neither side is sympathetic to Christians, and the conflict has given Islamist extremists more opportunity to target them,” the organization stated. This violence has resulted in significant displacement and suffering among Sudan’s Christian communities. Reports indicate that over 100 churches have suffered damage during this ongoing conflict.
Converts from Islam to Christianity face particularly dire consequences. As noted by Open Doors, these individuals often experience severe backlash from their families and communities, leading them to keep their faith hidden, even from their own children.
The humanitarian crisis is compounded by widespread hunger, with Christians often facing discrimination in aid distribution. “The struggle for survival in Sudan has become even more challenging for Christian communities, who are faced with heightened dangers and diminishing resources,” the report emphasized.
The tragic event on Christmas Day coincided with the Trump administration conducting strikes against Islamic State militants in Nigeria, where similar threats to Christians exist. The international community continues to monitor the situation in Sudan, seeking ways to address the violence and humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations.
