Africa | 22 October 2026

The story in brief

A local official says 153 people have died after a drone attack on a market in Abyei, between Sudan and South Sudan.

Who is involved?

• Sudan's army: The country's national military.

• Rapid Support Forces (RSF): An armed group fighting Sudan's army.

• United Nations (UN): An international organisation helping people affected by the attack.

What happened?

On Monday, 19 October, a drone attacked Amiet Market in Abyei. A drone is an aircraft controlled from a distance.

The attack hit a fuel storage area and started a large fire.

A local official reported 153 deaths. The United Nations confirmed that civilians, including women and children, were killed. The UN is still checking the total number of deaths.

An officer from Sudan's army said the attack was intended to stop fuel reaching the RSF. His account has not been independently verified.

What is the background?

Sudan and South Sudan are separate African countries. South Sudan became independent in 2011.

Both countries claim Abyei as part of their territory.

Sudan's army and the RSF have been fighting a civil war since April 2023.

Why does it matter?

Amiet Market is an important place where local communities buy and sell goods.

Many people were injured. Some suffered serious burns.

The United Nations has condemned the attack and called for civilians to be protected.

What happens next?

United Nations teams are helping injured people and checking the number of deaths.

South Sudan has protested against the attack and called for peaceful discussions.

Source: Associated Press, 21 October 2026