Drone Attack in Abyei Market Claims 153 Lives
A devastating drone strike in Abyei, a contested region between Sudan and South Sudan, has resulted in at least 153 fatalities.
The drone strike targeted Amiet Market, igniting a fire and causing significant casualties.
Sudan's military claims the strike was aimed at fuel smugglers, denying civilian targeting.
The attack has prompted diplomatic protests from South Sudan's government.
A drone strike on Monday at Amiet Market in Abyei, a disputed border region between Sudan and South Sudan, has resulted in the deaths of at least 153 individuals, according to local officials. The strike ignited a fire that continued to burn into Tuesday, complicating rescue efforts and increasing the death toll. Yohanna Akol Ngor, the caretaker information minister for Abyei, confirmed the rising number of casualties during a phone call with the Associated Press.
The Sudanese military has attributed the attack to its operations against fuel tankers allegedly linked to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). A senior military officer, speaking anonymously, stated that the strike was intended to target these tankers, which were reportedly smuggling fuel from South Sudan. He insisted that the military does not target civilians, although this claim has not been independently verified.
In the aftermath of the attack, Doctors Without Borders reported treating over 20 injured individuals at Ameth Bek Hospital, with several in critical condition due to burns. The organization is collaborating with South Sudan’s Health Ministry to provide medical assistance. The South Sudanese Foreign Ministry condemned the strike, asserting that it caused civilian casualties and significant property damage, and summoned Sudan's ambassador to express their concerns.
The ongoing conflict between Sudan's military and the RSF, which has escalated since April 2023, has already devastated large areas of the country and raised alarms about regional stability. Ngor described the situation as “horrible and shocking,” highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the area. The Amiet Market serves as a vital trading hub for the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities, making the attack particularly impactful.
The status of Abyei remains contentious, unresolved by a 2005 peace agreement that ended decades of civil war. The region's majority Ngok Dinka population favors alignment with South Sudan, while Misseriya nomads support Sudan's claim. Historical tensions have led to violent clashes over land and resources, complicating the humanitarian landscape further. As the situation develops, calls for diplomatic resolutions and the protection of civilian lives continue to grow.
