South Sudan announces the killing of dozens and the injury of others in a march attack on a market in the disputed Abyei region

John Akol Ngor, the designated Minister of Information in the disputed Abyei region on the border between Sudan and South Sudan, said that at least 73 people were killed yesterday, Monday, after drones targeted a market in the region, and accused the Sudanese army of carrying out the attack.

The minister did not provide evidence to support his accusation.

Abyei is an oil-rich region under joint administration between South Sudan and Sudan, and each of them claims sovereignty over it. The region witnesses repeated waves of violence, and clashes often break out between ethnic groups or competing armed factions.

Akol Ngor told Reuters on Tuesday, "About 73 people were killed and 19 others were injured... The Sudanese Armed Forces launched a number of drones yesterday."

The South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued late yesterday, Monday, that drones targeted a market located north of the city of Abyei, without specifying the number of civilian casualties who fell as a result of the attack.

The ministry added that it summoned the Sudanese ambassador to inform him of "the government's strong protest and deep concern about the attack and its repercussions on the security of civilians and the stability of the Abyei region."

Doctors Without Borders said in a statement that it was treating more than 20 wounded at the nearby Amith Peak Hospital.

Christian Lindauer, Director of Medical Activities at Doctors Without Borders at the hospital, explained, "So far, we have received more than 20 injured people, including critical cases, and we have also received burn patients."