A recent attack in the Abyei region, contested by Sudan and South Sudan, resulted in heavy fighting, claiming the lives of at least 32 people, including a UN peacekeeper. The violence occurred in villages within the southern part of the Abyei administrative region, with unknown gunmen targeting civilians and peacekeeping forces. The conflict, escalating since South Sudan deployed troops to the area in March, has led to increased inter-communal and cross-border clashes. The UN condemns the troop deployment and has extended the mandate of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei. The ongoing conflict has displaced millions and caused over 9,000 deaths.