Sudanupdated 1h ago3 min read
Sudanese Army Drone Strike Kills At Least 73 in Abyei Market, Yohana Akol Ngor Says
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At least 73 people killed, about 19 wounded, by drone strikes on Abyei market. Abyei is a disputed border region between Sudan and South Sudan; authorities blame Sudanese army.
Abyei market hit
A drone attack on a market in the disputed Abyei region killed at least 73 people and injured 19 others, the caretaker information minister for Abyei, Yohana Akol Ngor, said while accusing the Sudanese army of carrying out the strikes. Yohana Akol Ngor told Reuters, "About 73 people were killed and 19 others injured… Sudan's armed forces launched a number of drones yesterday." The South Sudanese Foreign Ministry said it summoned the Sudanese ambassador to convey its "strong protest and deep concern" about the attack and its implications for civilian safety and stability in the Abyei area.
“About 73 people were killed and 19 others injured… Sudan's armed forces launched a number of drones yesterday.”
Médecins Sans Frontières said it was treating more than 20 injured at the nearby Amithi Peak hospital, and Kristian Lindauer said, "We have received more than 20 injured so far, including critical cases, and we also received burn victims." The Abyei area administration warned that the toll could rise further after the attack, as it said the Sudanese army killed 53 people and injured 27 in a market strike on Monday.
Claims and counterclaims
Yohana Akol Ngor accused the Sudanese Armed Forces of carrying out the drone attacks on Amiet Common Market, and he told Radio Tamazuj that the bombing and thick smoke surprised people inside the market. Yohana Akol Ngor told Radio Tamazuj, "What we can confirm now is 73 people, but the number could be higher because people are working to extinguish the fire." Sudan’s armed forces did not provide evidence for their responsibility in the accounts, and a spokesperson for Sudan's armed forces did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the allegations.
A diplomatic source and an aid worker told Reuters that the strike hit a fuel depot in the market, with the diplomatic source saying the depot had been used in the past by the RSF to supply its forces. The Abyei Area administration said the drone attack involved a military aircraft dropping about 22 munitions in the heart of a very busy commercial area, and it warned that the toll could rise further.
Humanitarian and political stakes
Médecins Sans Frontières said it was treating more than 20 wounded people at the nearby Ameth Bek Hospital, and Christian Lindauer described receiving over 20 patients including several critical cases.
“So far we received over 20 patients, including several critical cases.”
Christian Lindauer told the press, "Patients with burns were also admitted. We are providing surgical services and wound dressing, along with other emergency care," as the hospital treated people after the strikes.
The South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it summoned the Sudanese ambassador to register its "firm protest" against the bombing and its implications for civilian safety and stability in Abyei.
The attack rekindled tensions between Sudan and South Sudan in a territory that remains unresolved since South Sudan proclaimed independence in 2011, with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei operating there.
The Media Line said the market serves traders from both countries and described it as a supply point for communities affected by Sudan’s civil war, while the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei supports civilian protection and monitors security in the territory.