South Sudanese officials reported that Sudan’s military conducted drone strikes on a market in the disputed Abyei region, resulting in over 150 deaths, marking one of the most devastating attacks amid ongoing conflict, reports BritPanorama.
This incident underscores the increasing lethality of air attacks amid Sudan’s war, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, pulling in local militias and international stakeholders.
The airstrike occurred around midday on Monday, with Yohana Akol Ngor, caretaker minister of information in Abyei, confirming through Reuters that the death toll has soared to 153 from an earlier count of 73.
Ngor placed the blame on Sudan’s army for the assault but did not provide concrete evidence. A spokesperson for Sudan’s armed forces was unavailable for immediate comment.
According to three diplomatic sources, along with an aid worker and a conflict expert, the drone strike targeted a fuel depot within the market, previously utilized by the RSF for re-supplying their forces. No immediate response was received from the RSF regarding this claim.
Struggle to retrieve bodies
Emergency responders faced significant challenges in retrieving bodies due to ongoing fires ignited by the strikes, Ngor told Reuters.
The confirmed death toll stands at 153, with the expectation of further increases as recovery efforts continue amidst ongoing fires making the area dangerous. “The situation is terrible,” he remarked.
According to Ngor, around 8,000 individuals have been displaced as a direct result of Monday’s bombing.
Late on Monday, South Sudan’s foreign ministry condemned the drone strikes, noting the attack occurred on a market situated north of Abyei town, although no specific figures on civilian casualties were provided. The ministry also stated its decision to summon the Sudanese ambassador in protest.
Drone attacks by both Sudan’s armed forces and the RSF have escalated recently, including operations targeting RSF-controlled Nyala and army-held Khartoum airport. Sudanese rights organization Emergency Lawyers indicated that multiple fatalities occurred during attacks on October 17 and 18 in al-Muglad, attributing these incidents to the Sudanese army.
Chadian authorities alleged that Sudan’s military has also conducted drone strikes within their territory, often utilized for RSF supply routes, with Sudan asserting that its military actions aim to safeguard national security.
An airstrike near the Egypt-Sudan border on October 10 resulted in the deaths of over 70 artisanal miners, according to local rights groups.
Patients treated for burns
Abyei has historically witnessed waves of violence, typically stemming from clashes among ethnic groups or armed factions. The recent attack represents the deadliest incident in years for a region already suffering from a lack of medical supplies and healthcare resources.
Although South Sudan’s government claims neutrality in the ongoing war, regional diplomats and analysts assert that Abyei is strategically significant, functioning as a logistics hub for RSF operations.
Medical organization Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) announced on Monday that it is treating over 20 injured individuals, some suffering from severe burns, at Ameth Bek Hospital, a facility situated nearby.
“We are providing surgical services and wound dressing, along with other emergency care,” stated Christian Lindauer, who oversees medical activities at the hospital.
Visuals shared on MSF’s official social media displayed patients receiving treatment while lying on the floor, further emphasizing the dire medical situation following the attacks.
