The caretaker information minister of the jointly administered Abyei region said a drone strike on a market on Monday killed 73 people, accusing Sudan’s military of carrying out the attack.
The official, however, did not provide evidence to support the allegation or independently confirm who was responsible for the strike.
Abyei is an oil-rich region claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan and jointly administered by the two countries. The area has experienced recurring violence, often involving rival ethnic groups and armed militias.
South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed that drones struck a market north of Abyei town but did not provide details on the number of civilians killed or injured.
The ministry said it had summoned Sudan’s ambassador to convey its “strong protest and deep concern” over the attack and its implications for civilian security and stability in the Abyei region.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said it was treating more than 20 people wounded in the attack at Ameth Bek Hospital.
Christian Lindauer, MSF’s medical activities manager at the hospital, said several patients were in critical condition, while others suffered burn injuries.
“So far we received over 20 patients, including several critical cases. Patients with burns were also admitted. We are providing surgical services and wound dressing, along with other emergency care,” Lindauer said.
The attack comes as Sudan remains locked in a war that began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
The conflict has drawn in local militias and foreign powers, devastating large parts of the country and worsening the humanitarian situation.
The United Nations has described the conflict as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, with millions of people requiring urgent humanitarian assistance.
Goodness Anunobi
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