Sudan has become one of the world’s deadliest conflicts for civilians. Across towns and cities, high numbers of civilians have been killed or injured by explosive weapons. This article analyses data from Action on Armed Violence on casualties caused by explosive violence in Sudan, focusing on the sharp escalation in the use of explosive weapons in populated areas since the conflict began, producing high civilian casualty rates per incident of use.

From 13 to 19 October 2023, AOAV has recorded 217 incidents of explosive violence around the world, and 1,619 civilian casualties.

INEW urges stopping the use of heavy explosives in populated regions due to rising civilian casualties and infrastructure damage in areas like Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Since Israel’s pre-dawn airstrikes on Tuesday, 9 May 2023, AOAV has recorded at least 74 civilian casualties throughout the Gaza strip.

In an escalating conflict, Israeli air strikes have claimed the lives of 15 Palestinians, including three Islamic Jihad commanders, which provoked a response of over 60 rockets fired towards Israel from Palestinian militants.

Amnesty International reports indiscriminate attacks causing civilian casualties and displacement in Las Anod, Somaliland, and calls for an independent investigation, accountability, and access to humanitarian aid amid a crisis compounded by drought.

Last week, more than 80 countries endorsed a new international commitment to address one of the greatest threats to civilians during armed conflict: the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.

On Wednesday 09 Nov, a drone strike hit an OLA vehicle in Mendi. The strike killed at least 20 civilians. 

On 18 November, the declaration for the protection of civilians from EWIPA will be open for signature in Dublin.

In June 2022, Action on Armed Violence recorded 2,442 deaths and injuries from 399 incidents of explosive violence around the world, as reported in English-language media. Civilians accounted for 71% (1,730) of the deaths and injuries recorded.

In April 2022, Action on Armed Violence recorded 2, 143 deaths and injuries from 237 incidents of explosive violence around the world, as reported in English-language media. Civilians accounted for 80% (1, 722) of the deaths and injuries recorded.