Conflict · Abyei · Sudan · October 20, 2026

Drone strike on Abyei market among attacks killing hundreds in Sudan

Reported by 8 outlets · first reported Oct 19, 10:45 AM ET

A drone strike on a market in the disputed Abyei region set a fuel depot ablaze, with death tolls ranging from 53 according to local authorities to more than 150 according to other officials; South Sudanese officials blamed Sudan's army. The BBC cited sources saying army drones that hit mourners and a fuel market killed more than 300 people, while separate strikes killed 80 in West Kordofan and three children in Khartoum. The UN condemned the attacks.

Why it matters

The strikes are among the deadliest of Sudan's war and reach into a territory contested with South Sudan.

Background

Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have been at war since April 2023, causing one of the world's largest humanitarian crises. Abyei is claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan.

The story so far

1. Oct 16Drone strike on cattle market kills 30 in Nyala, Sudan
2. Oct 19Drone strike near Sudan market kills 80 in West Kordofan
3. Oct 20Drone strike on Abyei market among attacks killing hundreds in Sudan
4. Oct 22Drone strike on Abyei fuel depot kills at least 153
5. Oct 28Drone strike on Nyala market in Sudan kills over 100

Follow the whole story →

Sources

• France 24 ↗Oct 20, 12:24 PM ET
• BBC News ↗Oct 20, 1:30 PM ET
• The Guardian ↗Oct 19, 10:45 AM ET

This summary was written automatically from the reporting linked above; follow the sources for the full story. How One Turn works.

See it on the globe →All of Oct 20's stories