Drone attack on market in disputed Abyei kills at least 73, Japanese outlets report
In short
A market in Abyei, an area claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan, was hit by drones on the 19th, Reuters reported citing local officials. Japanese outlets give different death tolls: about 73 (TBS) and at least 153 (Kyodo via Tokyo Shimbun). South Sudan blames the Sudanese army, while a Sudanese official said the RSF was active in part of Abyei.
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A market in Abyei, a district on the border between Sudan and South Sudan, was attacked by drones on the 19th, according to Reuters reports carried by Japanese outlets. Reuters cited local and South Sudanese officials. [ 1 , 3 ]
The death toll differs between the two Japanese reports that give figures. TBS NEWS DIG reported about 73 dead and 19 injured, citing a South Sudanese official quoted by Reuters. Kyodo, in a report carried by Tokyo Shimbun, said Reuters reported at least 153 dead, citing a local official. Nishi-Nippon Shimbun's item carries only a headline saying many were feared dead. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
TBS NEWS DIG said the attack appeared to target a fuel storage facility in the market. Kyodo reported that the attack directly hit the fuel depot in the market. [ 1 , 3 ]
South Sudan blamed the Sudanese army. TBS NEWS DIG said a South Sudanese official condemned the army, which had not responded to Reuters so far. Kyodo said South Sudan's foreign ministry asserted that the Sudanese army was responsible. [ 1 , 3 ]
According to Kyodo, a Sudanese official told Reuters that the RSF, the paramilitary group fighting the army in a civil war, was active in parts of Abyei. Reuters had information that the RSF had used the depot in the past, Kyodo reported. [ 3 ]
Abyei lies on the Sudan–South Sudan border, is rich in oil, and is claimed by both sides; Kyodo said its ownership has not been decided. TBS NEWS DIG said the civil war between Sudan's army and the RSF has continued since 2023, and that the UN has stepped up its vigilance because the RSF is also active around Abyei and security has worsened. [ 1 , 3 ]
Why it matters
The reports concern an attack on a market in an area both countries claim, and South Sudan's accusation against the Sudanese army. The documents give no further reaction, and the death toll is not settled across outlets.
Key facts
- Reuters reported that a market in Abyei, on the border of Sudan and South Sudan, was attacked by drones on the 19th. [ 1 , 3 ]
- TBS NEWS DIG reported about 73 dead and 19 injured, citing Reuters and a South Sudanese official. [ 1 ]
- Kyodo, in Tokyo Shimbun, reported at least 153 dead, citing Reuters and a local official. [ 3 ]
- The attack appears to have targeted a fuel storage facility in the market, according to TBS NEWS DIG. [ 1 ]
- South Sudan's foreign ministry said the Sudanese army carried out the attack. [ 3 ]
- Abyei is an oil-producing area claimed by both countries; its ownership has not been decided. [ 1 , 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- How many people died. TBS NEWS DIG reported about 73 dead and 19 injured; Kyodo reported at least 153 dead. Both cite Reuters and local officials.
- Who carried out the attack. South Sudan's side blames the Sudanese army; TBS NEWS DIG said the Sudanese army had not answered Reuters so far. The documents give no confirmation.
- The role of the RSF and the fuel depot. A Sudanese official told Reuters the RSF was active in parts of Abyei and the depot was hit; Reuters had information that the RSF had used it in the past, per Kyodo. The documents do not confirm this.