A drone strike on a United Nations facility in Sudan on Saturday killed six peacekeepers, all Bangladeshi nationals, according to UN Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres.
The Attack
The strike hit the peacekeeping logistics base in Kadugli, a city in the central region of Kordofan. Eight other peacekeepers were wounded. All victims are Bangladeshi nationals serving in the U.N. Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
UN Response
“Attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law,” said Guterres, who called for those responsible for the “unjustifiable” attack to be held accountable.
Sudanese Military Reaction
The Sudanese military blamed the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group that has been at war with the army for more than two years. There was no immediate comment from the RSF. The military said in a statement that the attack “clearly reveals the subversive approach of the rebel militia and those behind it.” The military posted a video on social media showing plumes of dense black smoke over what it said was the U.N. facility.
Abyei and the UN Mission
The oil‑rich Abyei is a disputed region between Sudan and South Sudan. The U.N. mission has been deployed there since 2011, when South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan.
Call for Ceasefire
Guterres also called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan to allow “a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese‑owned political process” to settle the conflict in the northeast African country.
Context of the Sudan Conflict
Sudan was plunged into chaos in April 2023 when a power struggle between the military and the RSF exploded into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the country. The conflict has killed over 40,000 people — a figure rights groups consider a significant undercount.
The fighting has recently centered on Kodrofan, particularly since the RSF took control of el‑Fasher, the military’s last stronghold in the western region of Darfur. The war has wrecked urban areas and has been marked by atrocities, including mass rape and ethnically motivated killings which the U.N. and rights groups have said amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, especially in the western region of Darfur.
The war has also created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis and pushed parts of the country into famine.
Key Takeaways
- Six Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers were killed and eight wounded in a drone strike on a UN base in Kadugli.
- The Sudanese military attributes the attack to the RSF, while the UN labels it a potential war crime.
- Guterres urges a ceasefire and accountability, highlighting the broader humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
At newsofaustin.com, Morgan reports on everything from severe weather alerts and traffic updates to city council decisions, crime reports, and the issues shaping daily life in Austin. Known for reliable fact-checking and a strong commitment to public-interest journalism, Morgan brings readers the information they need to stay informed and engaged.
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