At least 153 killed in drone strike on Abyei market in Sudan
KHARTOUM: At least 153 people were killed and many others injured in a drone strike on Amiet Market in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan, local officials said, warning that the death toll could rise further.Abyei’s caretaker information minister, Yohana Akol Ngor, blamed Sudan’s military for Monday’s attack. He said the strike…
KHARTOUM: At least 153 people were killed and many others injured in a drone strike on Amiet Market in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan, local officials said, warning that the death toll could rise further.
Abyei’s caretaker information minister, Yohana Akol Ngor, blamed Sudan’s military for Monday’s attack. He said the strike hit a fuel depot inside the market, triggering a major fire and displacing around 8,000 people.
South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry also accused the Sudanese army, saying drones struck multiple locations in the market. It summoned Sudan’s ambassador and urged Khartoum to refrain from actions endangering civilian lives and property.
A senior Sudanese military officer, speaking anonymously, said the army targeted fuel tankers arriving from South Sudan that were allegedly supplying the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). He claimed those killed were RSF members and fuel smugglers, though the claim has not been independently verified.
The United Nations condemned the attacks, saying dozens of civilians, including women and children, were killed and many injured. The UN called for protection of civilians and a diplomatic resolution to Sudan’s conflict.
