32 Dead, Including U.N. Peacekeeper, in Disputed Abyei Region

The attack comes amid escalating tensions following South Sudan's troop deployment in the contested territory.

32 people, including a U.N. peacekeeper, were killed in an attack in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan.
South Sudan deployed its troops to the contested territory in March, escalating inter-communal and cross-border clashes.
The U.N. Interim Security Force for Abyei was sent to help quell the growing conflict, with its mandate recently renewed until Nov. 15, 2024.
The U.N. special envoy for the Horn of Africa warned that the 7-month war between Sudan’s army and a rival paramilitary force is getting closer to South Sudan and the Abyei region.
Sudan and South Sudan have been in disagreement over the oil-rich Abyei region since South Sudan gained independence from Sudan after a 2005 peace deal.