KHARTOUM (SUNA) – Major General (Ret.) Al-Khair Abdullah Idris Abu Mureidat, head of Sudan’s side of the Abyei Area Joint Oversight Committee, expressed profound sorrow and regret over the drone attack that targeted Al-Na’am area on October 19, resulting in the deaths of several civilians. He prayed for mercy for the souls of the victims, extended his sincere condolences and sympathy to their families and relatives, and expressed solidarity with all those affected, wishing the wounded and injured a speedy recovery. Abu Mureidat affirmed that protecting civilian lives and safeguarding their security and safety are fundamental priorities and responsibilities. He stressed Sudan’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities to protect its citizens and shield the area’s residents from the dangers of war and armed attacks. In a statement to SUNA, the head of the committee called on the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to conduct an urgent and transparent investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack and identify those responsible, ensuring accountability and preventing the perpetrators from escaping justice. Abu Mureidat stressed the need for firm action against armed groups operating outside state authority, as well as mercenaries competing for influence within and around the area. He noted that leniency toward such armed elements had contributed to creating an unstable security environment, increasing the likelihood of incidents of this kind. He said serious and effective measures were therefore needed to prevent their recurrence and protect civilians. He renewed Sudan’s commitment to its international obligations and the agreements signed concerning the Abyei Area, as well as its respect for international resolutions aimed at preserving the area’s security and stability. He emphasized the need to remove military formations and armed groups from the area to strengthen prospects for peace and safeguard civilian lives. Abu Mureidat concluded by stressing that achieving stability in Abyei requires responsible cooperation, practical adherence to existing agreements, and joint efforts to protect civilians, preserve the area’s security, and shield its residents from the consequences of war.BH/BH