On Tuesday, October 20th, officials from South Sudan stated that Sudanese military launched a drone attack on Monday, October 19th, hitting a market in the disputed area of Abyei, northern Amiet, resulting in over 150 fatalities. This attack is the latest in a series of airstrikes. Over the past few days, multiple drone attacks by Sudan and in border regions have claimed over 200 lives.
According to a report by Reuters, Yohana Akol Ngor, Acting Minister of Information in Abyei, informed Reuters on Tuesday that the death toll from the market attack on Monday had risen from 73 to 153 and is likely to increase further. He mentioned that this bombing has displaced around 8,000 people.
Ngor stated, “The situation is dire. The fire is still spreading, and the search for the bodies of the deceased is ongoing.” He mentioned that some bodies had been reduced to ashes. He accused the Sudanese military of the attack but did not provide any evidence to support his claim.
A video verified by Reuters, filmed on Tuesday at the scene, showed numerous vehicles and buildings burnt to a crisp and twisted.
The Foreign Ministry of South Sudan also condemned the Sudanese military and summoned the Sudanese ambassador to protest, urging Sudan to “avoid any actions that endanger civilian lives and property.”
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric strongly denounced the series of drone attacks in Abyei and other areas. Dujarric expressed, “The continuous drone attacks in various parts of Sudan causing damage to critical infrastructure are deeply shocking to us. These communities were already suffering from over three years of conflict, and these attacks are a devastating blow to them.”
A witness reported hearing five significant explosions followed by a fire at the fuel market. He mentioned, “People started carrying out the wounded. They had shrapnel wounds in their abdomens and legs… I saw 28 charred bodies in one location.” This witness requested anonymity for safety reasons.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) stated that they are treating over 20 injured individuals, some with burns, at the nearby Ameth Bek Hospital. Christian Lindauer, the Medical Activities Manager for MSF at the hospital, mentioned, “We are providing surgical procedures, wound dressings, and other emergency medical services.”
Speaking anonymously, a senior Sudanese military official informed the Associated Press that the military carried out the drone attack on Monday, targeting a tanker truck transporting fuel intended for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a quasi-military organization.
He claimed that the casualties were RSF members and fuel smugglers, stating, “We do not target civilians.” The Associated Press was unable to independently verify this claim.
Three diplomatic sources, an aid worker, and an expert on the conflict informed Reuters that the target of the attack was a fuel depot within the market. One diplomatic source mentioned that the RSF had previously used this fuel depot for their supplies. The RSF spokesperson has yet to respond to the incident.
Officials closely associated with the Sudanese Armed Forces informed Reuters that the RSF operates in some areas of Abyei, while Ngor denied RSF’s presence in Abyei. Reuters was unable to verify both sides’ claims at the moment.
The Sudanese civil war broke out in April 2023, involving the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF. This war has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with local militias and foreign powers being drawn into the conflict.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011. Since then, both countries have asserted sovereignty over the oil-rich Abyei region. The final status of the region remains undecided, currently being assisted by the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to maintain security. Abyei borders Sudan’s Kordofan region, which has become a major battleground in this war.
The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei warned in May that the entry of RSF into Abyei has escalated the local security situation. They further stated that the unresolved status of this disputed region puts civilians and peacekeepers at risk.