According to a report by The Associated Press on October 21, an official stated that a market in the Abyei region, which is disputed between Sudan and South Sudan, was attacked by drones on the 19th. The attack hit a nearby fuel storage facility, resulting in at least 153 deaths and causing a fire. As of the 20th, the fire is still burning.
Abyei authorities' caretaker government minister of information, Yohanna Akol Ngor, attributed the attack that occurred in Amiet Market north of Abyei town to the Sudanese military.
On the 19th, Engol told the Associated Press by phone: 'We have recorded 153 deaths.' He also said that as the fire continues to burn, the number of deaths is still increasing.
A senior Sudanese officer claimed that the military carried out a drone attack on oil trucks from South Sudan on the 19th. He said these trucks were being delivered to paramilitary units for quick support. As he did not have authorization to speak to the media, he requested to remain anonymous.
The officer claimed that the deceased was a member of the fast-support unit and someone involved in fuel smuggling. “We are not targeting civilians,” he said. The Associated Press could not independently verify his claims about the targets hit or the identity of the deceased.
The military officer stated that the attack took place outside of a non-military zone bordering South Sudan on the border between [Country Name] and South Sudan.
Medical Aid Medical Relief (MSF) stated that more than 20 injured people have been sent to Amesbek Hospital, where MSF teams are working together with staff from the South Sudan Ministry of Health.
As of now, we have received over 20 patients, including several seriously injured individuals. Burn victims have also been admitted to the hospital,” said Christian Lindord, MSF activity coordinator at the hospital.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Sudan also attributed the attack to the Sudanese military, stating that the attack hit multiple locations within the market, resulting in civilian casualties and extensive property damage.
