A deadly drone strike hit a United Nations base in southern Sudan on Saturday. The attack killed six peacekeepers and wounded eight others. All the victims were Bangladeshi soldiers serving with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
The strike hit a logistics base in Kadugli, in South Kordofan state. The base supports UN efforts to protect civilians in a region torn by years of conflict.
UN Chief Condemns the ‘Horrific’ Strike
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attack. He called the drone strike “horrific” and warned that it “may constitute war crimes under international law.” Antonio Guterres said the strike was “unjustifiable” and urged those responsible to be held accountable. He also offered condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers and wished a quick recovery to the injured.
Who Were the 6 UN Peacekeepers?
The six peacekeepers killed were Bangladeshi nationals. All were part of the UNISFA mission. The mission has been deployed in the Abyei area, a disputed border region between Sudan and South Sudan, since 2011. Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping forces. Losses like this are rare but deeply felt.
How Sudan’s Government Responded?
Sudanese military leaders said the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were behind the attack. They labelled the strike a “dangerous escalation.” The military also posted videos online showing smoke rising from the damaged UN base.
However, the RSF denied involvement. In a statement on Telegram, it rejected claims that its forces carried out a drone attack on the UN facility.
Bangladesh Government Reaction
Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, expressed deep sorrow over the deaths. He said he was “deeply saddened” by the attack. He urged the United Nations to ensure that Bangladesh’s wounded personnel receive the best possible care.
Muhammad Yunus also said that Dhaka will support the families of the slain peacekeepers in this difficult time.
What This Means for the Sudan Conflict?
The drone strike underscores the dangers faced by international peacekeepers in Sudan’s long war. Fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF has ravaged the country since April 2023.
The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced millions, and caused large-scale humanitarian suffering. Sudan’s war has uprooted families and disrupted basic services. Aid groups say parts of the country are facing famine.
Calls for Ceasefire and Accountability
Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and UN personnel. He urged all sides to return to political talks. He stressed that attacks on peacekeepers and other protected targets must not go unpunished.
