Over 220 Killed in Devastating Drone Strike on Disputed Abyei Market

More than 220 people were killed in a drone attack on a crowded market in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan, local authorities and eyewitnesses reported. The strike, which occurred on Monday, triggered massive explosions and a fierce fire after hitting a fuel depot within the marketplace. Thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes as rescue teams struggled to recover bodies amid the raging flames.

According to local officials, the initial death toll of 153 reported by international news agencies rose significantly after the discovery of two mass graves. Eye Radio quoted Abyei's acting information minister, Yohanna Akol Ngor, stating that 153 victims were buried in one mass grave on the right side of the market and 73 in another, bringing the total to 226 dead. An eyewitness told Reuters he heard five loud explosions before the fuel compound caught fire, noting that many victims suffered severe shrapnel and burn injuries.

Local authorities in Abyei and the government of South Sudan blamed the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) for the attack. A senior Sudanese military official confirmed that the army carried out a drone strike in the area, claiming the target was fuel tankers intended for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Conversely, eyewitnesses and local residents insisted the market was a civilian commercial hub with no armed fighters present.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the drone attacks in the region, noting that women and children were among the casualties. South Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Sudanese ambassador to lodge a formal protest, demanding an end to actions that endanger civilians and calling for diplomatic resolutions to the territorial dispute over Abyei.