UN confirms 80 dead in Abyei drone strikes

October 22, 2026 (ABYEI) – The United Nations announced that at least 80 people were killed and 27 injured in drone strikes targeting the Abyei region on October 19.

The government of South Sudan accused the Sudanese army of bombing a major market in the disputed town, prompting the foreign ministry in Juba to summon the Sudanese ambassador.

Khartoum has not formally commented on the incident, and a UN Secretary-General spokesperson said the international body is not yet in a position to formally determine responsibility.

Local casualty estimates are significantly higher, with Reuters quoting the Abyei caretaker government’s information minister saying the death toll had doubled to 153.

The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) confirmed it has extinguished massive fires caused by the attacks on the Amiet and Todach markets.

Peacekeepers are continuing to evacuate victims and provide medical assistance, while UN Mine Action personnel assess the affected areas for unexploded ordnance.

UNISFA spokesperson Antonette Miday said the mission has doubled patrols in the affected areas to help deter further violence.

Miday added that peacekeepers are actively engaging with community leaders to encourage restraint and prevent any potential retaliation.

The peacekeeping mission continues to engage with the governments of Sudan and South Sudan to support de-escalation efforts.

The UN reiterated the Secretary-General’s call for both governments to uphold Abyei’s demilitarized status and maintain dialogue, including at the upcoming Joint Political and Security Mechanism meeting in Khartoum.