Symbolic imageUN alarmed as drone strike kills dozens at Abyei market
A drone strike on a market in the disputed Abyei area killed 53 people on Monday, local authorities say. South Sudan blames the Sudanese army and summoned Sudan's ambassador.
Abyei district authorities say the strike hit Amiet market on Monday, 19 October, wounding at least 27 and involving 22 munitions dropped by the Sudanese army. Victims included women, children and refugees, and the toll could rise. The UN counts at least 19 dead, while local officials cited by media speak of more than 70 (FAZ). South Sudan's foreign ministry condemned the attack and says the market is a transit point for goods to RSF-held areas.
UN warns of nationwide pattern
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said on Monday the UN is alarmed by deadly drone attacks across Sudan that kill civilians, including children. Drones also hit several sites in Khartoum, including near the airport. The UN's OCHA cited one civilian killed, while Emergency Lawyers reported three children dead and blamed the RSF.
Both sides blamed
Over the weekend, the UN reports at least 19 dead, ten of them children, in West Darfur, South Darfur and North Kordofan. Local authorities blame the RSF for the West Darfur attack, while the RSF accuses the army of striking a South Darfur market. On Sunday, 18 October, a drone hit a transport hub in al-Dibab, West Kordofan, killing 80 according to residents and medical workers (AFP).