Sudanese army accused of drone strike in Abyei region as death toll rises to 153

A drone strike targeting a market in the disputed Abyei region claimed at least 153 lives, according to a local official. The death toll from a string of recent strikes now exceeds 250, marking one of the deadliest weeks of Sudan's ongoing civil war that spilled across the country's borders. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces erupted in April 2023, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis.

Yohana Ngor, caretaker information minister in Abyei, reported that the death toll from Monday's attack had risen from 73 to 153 and was expected to increase further. The situation on the ground remains dire, with bodies still burning and flames engulfing some buildings. The military has blamed the attack on the RSF, but has not provided evidence to back up the claim.

Some sources report that the target was a fuel depot, which the paramilitaries had previously utilized to supply their forces. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011, and both nations have disputed control over the oil-rich Abyei region, which lies within Sudan's Kordofan region and has become a hotspot of the ongoing fighting.

The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei expressed concern over the RSF's growing presence in the area, warning of heightened insecurity and the risks to civilians and UN personnel. The United Nations condemned the series of drone attacks in Abyei and other regions, emphasizing the devastating impact these strikes have on already struggling communities.