In war-torn Sudan, a drone strike targeted a United Nations peacekeeping base, killing six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and injuring eight others. The attack occurred on Saturday (December 13) at a UN logistics base in Kadugli, located in the country’s central Kordofan region.
All the deceased and injured personnel were serving with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). The Qatar-based news outlet Al Jazeera reported the incident.
UN Secretary-General Condemns the Attack
UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the strike. In a statement, he said:
“I strongly condemn the brutal drone attack targeting the UN peacekeeping force’s logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan. Attacks on UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.”
He added, “Such attacks on peacekeepers in South Kordofan are completely unacceptable. Accountability must be ensured for this incident.”
Sudanese Army Blames RSF
Sudan’s military has blamed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the attack. The military and RSF have been engaged in a brutal civil war for over two years. There has been no immediate comment from the RSF regarding the incident.
In a statement, the Sudanese army said, “This attack clearly reflects the destructive intent of the rebel militias and their backers.” A video circulated on social media shows thick black smoke rising from a site claimed to be a UN facility.
Bangladesh Government Expresses Condolences
Professor Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of Bangladesh’s caretaker government, expressed deep sorrow over the attack, confirming six dead and eight injured. He also called on the UN to provide all necessary emergency support for the Bangladeshi peacekeepers.
Ongoing Civil War and Humanitarian Crisis
The conflict escalated into full-scale civil war in April 2023 between Sudan’s military and the RSF over power struggles. Over 40,000 people have been reported killed, with human rights organizations estimating the toll to be higher.
The Kordofan region has recently become a focal point of fighting. Following the military’s capture of El-Fashir, the last base in West Darfur, clashes intensified, resulting in widespread destruction in urban areas and severe crimes, including mass rape and ethnic violence. According to the UN and human rights groups, these incidents constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The ongoing conflict has triggered one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, pushing many regions of Sudan to the brink of famine.
Bangladesh’s Role in the Peacekeeping Mission
The attack comes just one month after the UN Security Council extended the mandate of the UNISFA mission for another year. Bangladesh remains one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping. Currently, nearly 4,000 Bangladeshi police and military personnel are serving in the Abyei region, protecting civilians in areas regularly affected by armed conflict.