A drone strike on Amiet market in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan killed at least 153 people on Monday, according to a local official, adding to a series of deadly attacks amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war.

Yohanna Akol Ngor, caretaker information minister for the Abyei administration, blamed Sudan’s military for the attack but did not provide evidence supporting the allegation. Sudan’s military had not responded to requests for comment.

The latest strike brings the reported death toll from attacks in recent days to more than 250, highlighting the growing danger to civilians as fighting continues between Sudan’s armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict began in April 2023.

A witness said five powerful explosions were heard during Monday’s attack, triggering a fire at a nearby fuel depot. Casualties were evacuated from the area, with some victims suffering severe shrapnel injuries and burns. The witness, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, said several bodies had been badly burned.

Doctors Without Borders, also known as MSF, reported that more than 20 injured people had been taken to Ameth Bek hospital. Medical teams were treating patients alongside personnel from South Sudan’s health ministry, including people with critical injuries and severe burns.

South Sudan’s foreign ministry also blamed Sudan’s military and said it had summoned Sudan’s ambassador to protest the attack. It urged Sudan to avoid actions that endanger civilians and damage property.

The latest violence follows two other deadly attacks. A drone strike near a market in West Kordofan on Sunday reportedly killed 80 people, while an attack on a market in Nyala on Friday killed 23 and injured 44, according to local volunteers.

MSF has called on all parties to stop attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, warning that continued violence threatens access to healthcare and other essential services.

Abyei remains disputed despite South Sudan’s independence in 2011. Both countries claim the oil-rich region, which is jointly administered and borders Sudan’s conflict-hit Kordofan area. Amiet market serves the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities, whose competing political and land interests have contributed to longstanding tensions.