JUBA – In a tragic escalation, a drone strike executed by the Sudanese Armed Forces claimed the lives of many individuals near Sudan’s major oil processing site on Tuesday evening, as reported by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The RSF, engaged in a conflict with Sudan’s military since 2023, stated the strike on the Heglig oil field occurred just one day after they had taken control of the area, which is situated near South Sudan’s border.

Both the warring factions relayed to The Associated Press that an exact count of casualties remained uncertain. However, local media outlets indicated the deaths of seven tribal leaders along with numerous RSF soldiers.

The RSF alleged that South Sudanese troops were among those killed by a Turkish-manufactured Akinci drone, denouncing the attack as a breach of international statutes.

Two military officials from Sudan corroborated the occurrence of the drone attack, stating it was directed at RSF combatants.

Meanwhile, officials from South Sudan’s Unity State affirmed the deaths of three of their soldiers. A South Sudanese soldier, who requested anonymity as he was not permitted to speak publicly, estimated the death toll to be around 25.

South Sudanese commander Johnson Olony said in a statement that South Sudanese forces may have been sent to secure Heglig after its capture. South Sudan’s military spokesperson declined to comment.

South Sudan relies entirely on Sudanese pipelines to export its oil and has seen production repeatedly disrupted by the conflict, worsening its economic crisis.

Sudanese soldiers and oil workers began evacuating Heglig on Monday and the RSF took control of the facility without resistance. By Tuesday, about 3,900 Sudanese soldiers had surrendered their weapons to South Sudanese forces after crossing into Rubkona County, according to Unity State’s information ministry.

Video from South Sudan’s state broadcaster showed tanks, armored personnel carriers and artillery among the weapons handed over.

Thousands of civilians from Sudan began crossing the border into South Sudan on Sunday and were still arriving Wednesday, the South Sudan government said, adding that the exact number was not yet known. South Sudan insists it remains neutral in the conflict despite accusations of siding with the RSF.

Heglig’s capture is the latest in a string of RSF territorial gains, including the October fall of el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur and the Sudanese army’s last stronghold in Darfur. The war, which began in April 2023, has killed an estimated 150,000 people, displaced millions and triggered multiple famines. Both sides face allegations of atrocities.

The capture of Heglig, a vital state asset, could be a significant bargaining chip for the RSF, analysts said. But the opaque nature of oil finances makes it difficult to determine how much the SAF, RSF or South Sudan will be impacted economically over the short term.

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Sam Magdy contributed from Cairo, Egypt.