Timeline
March 18, 2026 — March 22, 2026
World
Timeline: How Violence Escalated Across Sudan's Borders in March 2026
This timeline tracks a deadly five-day period during Sudan's civil war when violence dramatically intensified and spilled across international borders. The escalation began with border fighting, expanded to include cross-border drone strikes that killed civilians in Chad, and culminated in a devastating hospital attack that killed dozens during Eid celebrations. The timeline illustrates how the conflict between Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created regional instability and mounting civilian casualties.
7 events · 4 days · 30 source articles
Mon, Mar 16, 2026
Moderate
Heavy Fighting at Sudan-Chad Border Kills 17
Intense clashes erupted between Sudan's army and the RSF in Tina, a border town with Chad. Doctors Without Borders reported 17 deaths and 66 people in serious condition. Tina represents one of the last areas under army control in the vast Darfur region, most of which has been controlled by the RSF since October 2025.
Wed, Mar 18, 2026
Moderate
Chad Closes Border with Sudan
Following the escalating violence near Tina, Chad closed its border with Sudan. This move came after repeated clashes along the frontier as the civil war that began in April 2023 continued to destabilize the region.
Thu, Mar 19, 2026
Major
Drone Attack from Sudan Kills 17 Civilians in Chad
A drone attack launched from Sudan struck the Chadian border town of Tine, killing 17 civilians including mourners at a funeral and children playing nearby. This marked a significant escalation as the Sudanese conflict directly killed civilians on foreign soil. Chad's President Mahamat Idriss Déby condemned it as 'outrageous and blatant aggression' against Chad's territorial integrity.
Thu, Mar 19, 2026
Major
Chad Orders Military Retaliation and Total Border Closure
After convening an emergency security meeting in military uniform, President Déby ordered Chad's military to retaliate against any future attacks from Sudan and declared a 'total closure' of the border. He placed the military on high alert, warning that Chad would respond to further violations despite previous warnings issued to both warring parties in Sudan.
Sat, Mar 21, 2026
Major
Hospital Strike in East Darfur Kills 64 During Eid
Al Deain Teaching Hospital in East Darfur's capital was struck on Friday night, killing at least 64 people including 13 children, two female nurses, one male doctor, and multiple patients. Another 89 people were wounded. The attack occurred during Eid celebrations and damaged the hospital's pediatric, maternity, and emergency departments, rendering the facility non-functional. Sudanese rights group Emergency Lawyers attributed the attack to a Sudanese army drone strike, though the army denied responsibility.
Sun, Mar 22, 2026
Major
WHO Confirms Death Toll and Warns of Mounting Healthcare Attacks
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus verified the attack details and revealed that the total number of fatalities from attacks on health facilities during Sudan's civil war has now surpassed 2,000 across more than 200 attacks since April 2023. He called for de-escalation, stating 'Enough blood has been spilled. Enough suffering has been inflicted' and emphasized that 'health care should never be a target.'
Sun, Mar 22, 2026
Moderate
International Condemnation Grows Over Hospital Attack
The UN's humanitarian office expressed being 'appalled' by the hospital attack. Media outlets worldwide reported on the strike, with particular focus on the 13 children killed and the attack occurring during the Eid holiday. The RSF blamed the army for the strike, while two military officials reportedly said the strike was targeting a specific location, though the army officially denied the attack.
Share this story