KHARTOUM, Sudan — A paramilitary drone strike targeting a civilian vehicle in Greater Khartoum killed five people and intensified fears of further escalation in Sudan’s ongoing conflict, according to local officials and emergency responders operating in the capital region.

The strike hit the vehicle along a heavily used road connecting neighborhoods on the outskirts of Khartoum. Witnesses described hearing a sudden explosion followed by thick smoke rising from the destroyed vehicle as civilians rushed away from the area.

Emergency crews arrived shortly after the attack and recovered multiple bodies from the wreckage. Medical workers said several nearby civilians were also treated for injuries caused by debris and blast impact.

Local authorities blamed paramilitary forces for carrying out the drone operation, though military officials have not publicly released detailed operational information regarding the incident. The attack marks another sign of expanding drone use within Sudan’s prolonged internal conflict.

Residents in surrounding districts reported growing anxiety over repeated aerial attacks and shelling near civilian zones. Many families have already fled contested neighborhoods as violence continues to spread across parts of Greater Khartoum.

Humanitarian organizations warned that civilians remain increasingly vulnerable as combat operations move deeper into densely populated areas. Aid agencies operating in Sudan continue to report shortages of food, medicine, and emergency shelter for displaced residents.

Security analysts said drones are becoming a more common weapon in Sudan’s conflict due to their ability to strike targets quickly while limiting direct battlefield exposure for armed groups. The expanding use of unmanned systems has complicated evacuation and humanitarian operations throughout the capital region.

Witnesses at the scene described charred debris scattered across the roadway while security forces attempted to secure the surrounding area. Traffic movement near the strike location remained heavily restricted for several hours following the attack.

International observers have repeatedly urged Sudan’s warring factions to avoid targeting civilian areas and critical infrastructure. However, clashes and aerial attacks have continued despite mounting diplomatic pressure for a ceasefire.

Authorities said investigations into the latest strike are ongoing as humanitarian agencies continue assessing civilian conditions across Greater Khartoum and nearby conflict-affected communities.