Drone strike on a market in disputed African region of Abyei kills at least 153

A drone strike on a market in the disputed African region of Abyei, located between Sudan and South Sudan, killed at least 153 people on Monday. The attack targeted a nearby fuel depot, igniting a fire which continued to burn later on Tuesday, according to local official Yohanna Akol Ngor. Ngor blamed Sudan's military for the strike, which was carried out targeting fuel tankers bound for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The Sudanese military officer, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the targets were RSF members and people involved in fuel smuggling, stating that the army did not target civilians. The attack took place outside the demilitarized zone along the border with South Sudan. Doctors Without Borders reported receiving over 20 wounded people at Ameth Bek Hospital, many with critical burns.

South Sudan's Foreign Ministry summoned Sudan's ambassador to protest the attack and called for actions endangering civilian lives and property to be halted. The Abyei region remains disputed, with the majority Ngok Dinka population favoring South Sudan, while the Misseriya nomads prefer Sudan. A proposed referendum has been stalled due to disagreements on voter eligibility.