At least 14 people were confirmed dead and several others wounded following violent clashes on Monday between members of the Special Protection Force (VIP) of the unified forces in Athony village, Alal County, within the Abyei Special Administrative Area.
According to a press statement issued by the Minister of Information, Culture, Youth, and Sports, Yohana Akol Ngor Kiir, the deadly confrontation erupted around 4:00 p.m. local time on October 6, 2025, in Athony — a buffer zone checkpoint established by the Abyei-Twic Mission Force after the 2022 Twic-Ngok communal conflict.
The army spokesperson confirmed the casualties, stating that more than 14 people lost their lives, with others sustaining injuries during the clashes.
In the aftermath, withdrawing forces reportedly left behind their families and children, prompting the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA) to step in and provide urgent humanitarian assistance.
UNISFA personnel evacuated civilians to safety in Kadhian village and helped in burying the dead from both sides at the request of the SSPDF commander in Agok, Rummamer County.
The Abyei administration extended its condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a swift recovery. Authorities expressed hope that the situation in Athony will soon stabilize, allowing displaced families to return safely to their homes.
