Sudan denies armed forces role in deadly Abyei drone strikes
October 23, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese government has denied any involvement of its armed forces in recent drone strikes that caused massive civilian casualties at a market in the disputed Abyei region.
The denial follows accusations from the government of South Sudan, which alleged the Sudanese army bombed a major market on October 19 and subsequently summoned the Sudanese ambassador in Juba.
In a press statement issued late Thursday, Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep regret over the loss of life at the Amiet market and extended its sympathies to the families of the victims.
The ministry categorically stated that the Sudanese Armed Forces had no connection to the incident.
Officials instead likened the attack to crimes continuously committed by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which the government designates as a terrorist militia.
The foreign ministry compared the recent strike to a December 13, 2025, attack in Kadugli.
In that prior incident, the militia allegedly targeted a UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) camp, killing several Bangladeshi peacekeepers and striking humanitarian aid convoys.
The United Nations announced that at least 80 people were killed and 27 injured in the October 19 strikes.
Local casualty estimates are significantly higher, with the Abyei caretaker government’s information minister stating the death toll had doubled to 153.
A UN spokesperson noted that the international body is not yet in a position to formally determine responsibility for the bombings.
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.
Peacekeepers are actively engaging with community leaders to encourage restraint and prevent potential retaliation.
The UN reiterated its call for both Sudan and South Sudan to uphold Abyei’s demilitarized status and maintain dialogue, including at the upcoming Joint Political and Security Mechanism meeting in Khartoum.