Over 50 Killed, 27 Wounded in Drone Strike on Abyei’s Amiet Market

By Awan Achiek

At least 53 people have been killed and 27 others seriously injured in a drone attack on Amiet Market in the disputed Abyei Area, according to the region’s caretaker chief administrator, Justice Charles Abyei Jok.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Jok said preliminary casualty assessments confirmed the deaths and serious injuries, raising concerns over the devastating impact of the attack on civilians at the busy market.

“Preliminary casualty assessments confirm that 53 individuals have lost their lives and 27 others have sustained severe injuries,” Charles said.

Charles specified that those killed include women, children, the elderly, local merchants, members of the Ngok Dinka community, South Sudanese returnees, and Sudanese refugees.

He stated that the drone strike was conducted against the Amiet Market on October 19, 2026, by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) at approximately 12:26 p.m.

According to Charles, initial findings indicate that a military aircraft deployed an estimated 22 munitions directly into a heavily populated commercial area, demonstrating a flagrant disregard for human life and international legal norms.

“Given the critical condition of many wounded survivors currently receiving emergency medical treatment at the Abyei Civil Hospital, the death toll is unfortunately expected to rise.”

Charles added that the bombardment completely incinerated the market infrastructure, obliterating vital livelihoods and exacerbating an already fragile humanitarian situation.

“This unprovoked assault has triggered immediate secondary displacement, forcing traumatized survivors to flee toward Abyei Town and placing unprecedented strain on local emergency resources.”

Charles described the attack as a violation of the established special status of the Abyei Area and a contradiction of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

“Consequently, the Abyei Special Administrative Area urgently appeals to the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, the United Nations, the African Union, and the broader international community to initiate an immediate, independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding this attack.”

He called for strict enforcement to hold Sudanese Army forces responsible for violating international law and targeting civilian infrastructure.

“The ASAA remains resolute in its commitment to peace and security and calls for immediate, coordinated global action to protect innocent lives, uphold the rule of law, and ensure justice for the victims and their families.”