Abyei / Sudan: More than 150 people have reportedly been killed in a drone strike on a market in the disputed Abyei region, according to local authorities. The attack took place around midday on Monday, with the reported death toll rising from 73 to 153 by Tuesday.

Yohana Akol Ngor, Abyei’s acting information minister, announced the revised death toll on Tuesday and blamed Sudan’s armed forces for the attack. However, she did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.

A spokesperson for the Sudanese Armed Forces did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to three diplomatic sources, the strike targeted a fuel depot located inside the market. Further details about the circumstances of the attack and the identities of those responsible remain unconfirmed.

Deadly Attack Reported in Eastern Mali

In a separate incident, at least 48 people were reportedly killed in attacks in the Menaka region of eastern Mali over the weekend.

According to the Associated Press, a lawmaker reported the incident on Tuesday, alleging that militants linked to ISIS were responsible for the violence.

Children and elderly people were among those killed in the attacks, which reportedly targeted civilians.

The lawmaker alleged that the victims had provided information to the Malian military about ISIS hideouts, following which the military carried out drone strikes against the militant group.

The incidents highlight the continuing risks faced by civilians in conflict-affected areas of Africa, where armed attacks and military operations have caused significant casualties.