Conflict & Security
Drone strike on Abyei market kills at least 73, authorities say
October 20, 2026 at 11:27 AM · Updated 19h ago
Coverage
4 reports · 3 in Arabic, 1 in English · over 7 hours
A drone strike on a market in the disputed Abyei region killed at least 73 people Monday, with the area's acting minister blaming Sudan's armed forces.
- Abyei's acting media minister, Youhanna Akol Ngour, said at least 73 people were killed and 19 injured in the attack on a market north of Abyei city.
- Akol accused Sudan's armed forces of launching the drones, without providing evidence.
- South Sudan's foreign ministry summoned the Sudanese ambassador to convey its strong protest over the strike.
- Doctors Without Borders said it had received more than 20 wounded, including critical and burn cases, at a nearby hospital.
- The BBC reported a higher death toll of more than 200 killed across West Kordofan and Abyei, including mourners travelling to a funeral.
- A military source told the BBC the army struck the Abyei market because it served as a fuel supply site for the Rapid Support Forces.



