At least 19 people have been injured in Sudanese drone attacks on Abyei’s Amiet Market, with some victims reported to be in critical condition.
Abyei’s Caretaker Minister of Information and government spokesperson, Yohana Akol Ngor, says several drones fired approximately seven shells at the market at around 11 a.m. on Monday.
“ These drones fired approximately seven shells at the Amiet market, specifically near its northern and central gates in an area with a high population density,” Ngor said.
The strikes damaged several shops in the busy trading centre, located about 10 kilometres north of Abyei town.
Ngor says the injured include South Sudanese citizens and Sudanese nationals who fled the ongoing conflict in Sudan, with the majority reportedly being South Sudanese.
“Some are in critical condition, while others are stable,” he said, adding that the victims are receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
Authorities have not confirmed any fatalities, although the spokesperson says reports of possible deaths are being investigated.
The Abyei government suspects the Sudanese Armed Forces may have been responsible for the attack, but responsibility has not been independently established.
The incident comes amid the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, with both sides carrying out attacks against each other as civilians continue to face the consequences of the fighting.
Amiet Market serves communities from both South Sudan and Sudan, including people displaced by the war across the border.
The circumstances surrounding Monday’s attack, including which party was responsible, remain unclear.
— MICHAEL
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