Drone strike that killed 153 blamed on Sudan forces

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 21, 2026

A drone strike by Sudanese military forces on a fuel depot near Abyei’s Amiet Market killed at least 153 people and caused fires that continued burning into Tuesday. The attack highlights the ongoing volatility in the disputed Abyei region, complicating efforts to resolve its status peacefully and threatening civilian safety amid broader conflicts in Sudan.

A drone strike on a market in Abyei, a disputed border region between Sudan and South Sudan, killed at least 153 people and ignited a fire that continued burning into Tuesday, according to local officials. The attack occurred Monday morning at around 11 a.m. near the Amiet Market, targeting a nearby fuel depot that supplied local businesses.

Yohanna Akol Ngor, caretaker information minister for the Abyei administration, blamed Sudan’s military forces for the strike. South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry echoed this accusation, condemning the attack for causing civilian casualties and extensive property damage. The ministry said it summoned Sudan’s ambassador to formally protest and urged Sudan to avoid actions that endanger civilians. It also called for disputes over Abyei to be resolved through diplomatic means. Sudan’s military had not responded to requests for comment as of Tuesday.

Humanitarian groups reported receiving dozens of wounded victims at local medical facilities. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said over 20 patients, including several with critical injuries and burns, were admitted to Ameth Bek Hospital, where their teams worked alongside South Sudanese health workers. “Patients with burns were also admitted,” said Dr. Christian Lindauer, MSF’s medical activities manager at the hospital. MSF urged all parties to cease attacks on civilians and essential infrastructure, expressing concern about the accessibility of healthcare and other vital services amid the ongoing violence.

The Abyei region has long been a flashpoint due to its unresolved status following a 2005 peace agreement that ended decades of civil war and preceded South Sudan’s independence in 2011. A planned referendum on Abyei’s affiliation has been stalled by disputes over voter eligibility. The majority Ngok Dinka population favors joining South Sudan, while the Misseriya nomads who graze in the area support remaining part of Sudan. Abyei's wealth in oil and its strategic location have heightened tensions, which are further complicated by periodic communal clashes between the Ngok Dinka and neighboring Twic Dinka communities.

Since April 2023, Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been engaged in a conflict that has devastated large parts of Sudan and increased instability along the border with South Sudan. The recent attack in Abyei underscores the fragile security situation and the risks faced by civilians in contested areas.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.