ABYEI – At least 73 people have been killed and 19 wounded in drone strikes on Amiet Market in the disputed Abyei Area, the territory’s information minister said, warning that the death toll could rise as recovery efforts continue.
Yohana Akol Ngor, caretaker information minister and spokesperson for the Abyei administration, said the strikes began at around 11:30 a.m. on Monday, hitting several sections of the market, including the area where fuel was sold.
“At around 11:30 a.m. today, Monday, we were surprised by bombing and thick smoke inside Amiet Common Market, which is located 10 kilometres from Abyei town,” Ngor said.
He accused the Sudanese Armed Forces of carrying out the attack. Sudans Post could not independently verify the allegation.
Ngor said some bodies had been burned beyond recognition and heavy smoke had forced a suspension of search operations. Most of the victims were traders from Sudan and South Sudan, he added.
“What we can confirm now is 73 people, but the number could be higher because people are working to extinguish the fire,” he said.
The medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said more than 20 wounded people had been brought to its supported Ameth Bek Hospital following the strikes.
“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,” said Dr. Christian Linadauer, MSF’s medical activities manager at the hospital.
MSF teams are working alongside Ministry of Health staff to provide emergency treatment. The organisation expressed concern about the impact of the attack on civilians and their ability to reach healthcare and other essential services safely. It called on all parties to stop attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Amiet Market, located in Ameth-Aguok County, is a major trading centre serving the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities, as well as people displaced by the war in Sudan.
Abyei is disputed between Sudan and South Sudan, and its final status has remained unresolved since South Sudan gained independence in 2011. Interim administrative and security arrangements were established in 2011, while the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) monitors security in the area.