From Allafrica · · 1m 10s
Abyei Market Drone Strike Toll Rises
Drone strike in Abyei kills 153, displaces 8,000 as UN and UK condemn attacks.
In brief
Drone strike in Abyei kills 153, displaces 8,000 as UN and UK condemn attacks. Abyei market drone strike killed 153 people, displaced 8,000, and prompted UN and UK condemnations. Originally reported by Allafrica.
Drone strike toll rises
Local officials say death toll from drone strike on Amiet market in Abyei has risen from 73 to 153.
“The death toll from a drone strike on Amiet market in the disputed Abyei area between Sudan and South Sudan has risen from 73 to 153, local officials say”
Displacement and casualties
The attack forced about 8,000 people to flee, prompting UN and UK condemnation.
“The attack on Monday also forced about 8,000 people to flee, prompting condemnation from the United Nations and the UK.”
UN secretary-general condemns
UN secretary-general strongly condemned drone attacks killing civilians, including women and children.
“The UN secretary-general has strongly condemned drone attacks in Abyei on Monday that reportedly killed dozens of civilians, including women and children, near Amiet and Todach markets, and injured many others.”
UNISFA response
UNISFA deployed medical teams, firefighting equipment, and rapid-response forces after the incident.
“UNISFA deployed medical personnel, firefighting equipment and rapid-response forces after the incident to provide emergency treatment, help evacuate the injured and prevent the fire from spreading, the statement said.”
UN calls for accountability
UN secretary-general urged Sudan and South Sudan to protect civilians and ensure accountability for attacks.
“He also urged the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to take all possible steps to prevent further attacks and preserve Abyei's status as a demilitarised area.”
UK demands investigation
UK called for independent investigation into civilian casualties from the drone strike.
“The British embassy expressed deep concern over reports of strikes on Amiet market in Abyei that caused heavy civilian casualties. It condemned attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure and called for an independent and comprehensive investigation.”
Death toll continues to rise
Yohana Akol Ngor warned death toll could increase further as search and recovery operations continue.
“Yohana Akol Ngor, the acting information minister for the Abyei area, told Reuters that the death toll had risen sharply from the initial figure of 73 to 153. He warned that it could increase further as search and recovery operations continued.”
Sudanese military claims
Sudanese military official claimed drone strike targeted fuel tankers for RSF but denied civilian targeting.
“A senior Sudanese military official, speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, acknowledged that the army had carried out a drone strike. The official claimed it had targeted fuel tankers believed to be intended for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), but denied that civilians had been deliberately targeted.”
The big picture
Abyei market drone strike killed 153 people, displaced 8,000, and prompted UN and UK condemnations.
