A drone strike by the Sudanese Armed Forces on Christmas morning resulted in the deaths of 11 Christians as they made their way to worship. The attack occurred in Julud, a region in Sudan, and was reported by a local Christian attorney who requested anonymity. This individual stated that the congregation was targeted while marching in procession to the Episcopal Church of Sudan. In addition to those killed, at least 18 others sustained injuries, according to Morning Star News.
The drone strike in Julud is part of a troubling pattern of violence in the region. Just weeks earlier, on December 5, another drone attack claimed the lives of 10 children aged 5 to 7 at a kindergarten. A prior strike on November 29 targeted a medical center, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals, including women and children. These incidents highlight the ongoing civil conflict in Sudan, where the Sudanese Armed Forces are engaged in a violent struggle against the Rapid Support Forces. Both factions have been implicated in attacks against Sudan’s Christian minority.
Reports from Open Doors, a ministry that monitors Christian persecution, indicate that Sudan was making progress towards religious freedom before the outbreak of civil war. “Neither side is sympathetic to Christians, and the conflict has given Islamist extremists more opportunity to target them,” the organization noted. This environment has worsened the situation for Christians, as over 100 churches have been damaged during the conflict.
The plight of converts from Islam to Christianity is particularly dire. According to Open Doors, Sudanese Christians who have transitioned from a Muslim background face severe backlash from their families and communities. Many find it necessary to keep their faith hidden, even from their children, due to the risks involved.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, Christians in Sudan are especially vulnerable to shortages of essential resources. The report emphasized that they may face discrimination during aid distribution, compounding their struggles in a country already grappling with widespread hunger. “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 stated.
The violence against Christians in Sudan coincides with broader global concerns, including recent military operations by the Trump administration targeting Islamic State militants in Nigeria. These actions underscore the ongoing threats faced by Christian communities in various regions.
This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragile situation in Sudan and the ongoing risks faced by its Christian population amidst escalating violence and conflict.
