Sudan denies involvement in Abyei drone strikes

Sudan’s military-backed government has denied allegations that its armed forces carried out drone strikes on October 19 that targeted Amiet market and the Todach area in the disputed Abyei region. The Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Sudanese Armed Forces have ‘absolutely no connection to this unfortunate incident,’ offering condolences to victims' families while accusing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of other regional attacks.

Local officials in Abyei have reported significant casualties, with caretaker information minister Yohana Akol Ngor stating at least 153 people were killed, including Sudanese, South Sudanese, Ethiopian, and Somali nationals. Some local reports suggest the death toll could reach as high as 220. The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has confirmed at least 80 deaths and 27 injuries, and has since doubled its security patrols in the area.

South Sudan has summoned Sudan’s ambassador in Juba to protest the strikes. While the Sudanese government has rejected responsibility, it has provided no verifiable evidence to confirm the identity of those behind the attacks. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strikes, noting that civilians, including women and children, were among the dead.