Attack on a market in Abyei area kills 73, South Sudan strongly protests

China News Service, Beijing, October 20. Comprehensive news: A drone attack occurred in the disputed Abyei area on the border between South Sudan and Sudan on the 19th local time, killing 73 people. The South Sudanese government has issued a strong protest to the Sudanese government over this incident.

According to reports from the Sudan Tribune and Sudan Post, on the morning of the 19th, an important market in the Abyei region was attacked by drones. Multiple explosions occurred at the scene and thick smoke rose. Targets attacked include fuel storage facilities and trucks carrying fuel.

An Abyei regional official confirmed to Reuters on the 20th that the incident resulted in 73 deaths and 19 injuries.

No organization or individual has claimed responsibility for this incident. However, the South Sudanese government accused the Sudanese government forces of carrying out the attack, and summoned the Sudanese ambassador to South Sudan on the 19th to express serious concern and strong protest over the relevant incidents, urging Sudan to take necessary measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

The Sudanese government has not yet responded to the relevant situation.

The Abyei area covers an area of ​​approximately 10,000 square kilometers and is one of the areas disputed between Sudan and South Sudan. The market attacked on the 19th is the main trading center for local fuel, food, construction materials and medicines. Other commodities shipped from various markets in South Sudan are also collected and distributed here and flow into Sudan. Some media claimed that the attack was related to the internal conflict in Sudan.