Abyei Market Drone Strike Death Toll Rises Above 220

A drone strike at Amiet Market in Abyei killed at least 153 people, according to the region’s caretaker information minister, and set fire to a nearby fuel depot. The strike took place on October 19 in an area disputed by Sudan and South Sudan; the fire hampered recovery efforts, the official said. Yohanna Akol Ngor initially reported 73 deaths, then said the toll had reached 153. On October 21, he told Eye Radio that more than 220 people had died. The estimates reflect successive updates as recovery continued, and the reports provide no independently confirmed final toll. Ngor said the depot supplied local businesses. South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry blamed Sudan’s military for the strike, saying it hit several locations in the market and caused civilian casualties and property damage. The ministry said it had summoned Sudan’s ambassador to protest and called for Abyei-related disputes to be handled through diplomatic channels. Responsibility and the intended target have not been independently established. A senior Sudanese military officer, speaking anonymously, said the army had targeted fuel tankers from South Sudan that were bound for the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces,...