Abyei, October 19 (Darfur24)
More than 50 people were killed and 70 others injured in a drone strike on Monday that hit the northern section of Al-Naam border market between Sudan and South Sudan, local sources told Darfur24.
Mohammed Abdu, a trader at the market, said the strike occurred at around 11 a.m., adding that residents and traders had seen the drone flying overhead before the attack.
He said the market was crowded with traders and shoppers at the time, contributing to the high number of casualties.
According to Abdu, the drone fired eight missiles at the fuel market on the northern side of the commercial area, which is frequented by Sudanese traders. The explosions triggered fires that spread to neighbouring businesses.
Local sources said the preliminary toll had exceeded 50 dead and 70 injured, including nationals of Ethiopia, Somalia and Uganda who worked at the market.
Sources also reported that the strike hit a United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) outpost. An observation tower on the northeastern side of the market was reportedly burned down.
Medical sources said the wounded were evacuated to hospitals in Abyei town for treatment. The attack brought commercial activity at the market to a halt and destroyed large quantities of fuel, goods and vehicles in the resulting fires.
Al-Naam market, also known as the Amiet market, lies about 10 kilometres north of Abyei town. It is one of the largest trading centres along the Sudan–South Sudan border.
The market is a major commercial and humanitarian supply hub for Darfur, Kordofan and the Abyei area, connecting communities across the border. Thousands of families rely on it for fuel, food and other essential commodities, particularly since the outbreak of war in Sudan in April 2023.
The strike came about a week after trading resumed at the market following a weeks-long closure linked to intercommunal violence between the Misseriya and Dinka Ngok communities. The clashes left people dead and injured and displaced hundreds of residents.
