Khartoum denies drone strike role in Abyei market attack
Sudan's government rejected accusations of involvement in an October 19 drone strike that killed at least 153 people in Abyei.
Khartoum has denied its armed forces carried out a drone strike on Amiet Common Market in the disputed Abyei region on October 19. Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Thursday that the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) had no connection to the attack, which killed at least 153 people and wounded 19. South Sudanese officials, however, blamed Sudan’s military for the incident.
The ministry expressed condolences to the victims’ families and wished the wounded a speedy recovery, but provided no evidence to support its denial. The victims included Sudanese, South Sudanese, and foreign nationals. The attack has increased tensions between Sudan and South Sudan, leading South Sudan to summon Sudan’s ambassador to Juba.
Meanwhile, the RSF-aligned Government of Peace has called for an international investigation into the attack. Its foreign minister, Ammar Amoun Deldoum, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that a complaint was filed with the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan on October 19. Deldoum stated that a local committee was also established to gather information from traders and survivors.
Why it mattersSudanese citizens were among the 153 people killed in a drone strike in the disputed Abyei region.