UN Secretary-General condemns ‘horrific’ drone strike on peacekeepers in Sudan
A drone attack on a UN logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and injured eight, prompting condemnation from the UN chief and renewed concern over Sudan’s escalating war.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned a deadly drone attack on a United Nations logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, on Saturday, which killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and injured eight others.
The victims were serving with the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), which is responsible for monitoring the contested Abyei region.
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In a statement on X, Guterres described the attack as “horrific”, noting that attacks on UN personnel are unacceptable and may constitute war crimes under international law.
“Attacks against UN peacekeepers like this one are unjustifiable & may constitute war crimes. I remind everyone of their obligation to protect UN personnel & civilians. There will need to be accountability,” he said.
“My heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers & the Government & people of Bangladesh. I wish a swift recovery to the injured.”
In a statement issued on Saturday confirming the incident, Bangladesh urged the United Nations to ensure the safety and proper care of the injured peacekeepers.
“The government, through its Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, requested the UN to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured peacemakers,” said the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“Bangladesh Mission in New York is in close touch with the UN and working together to extend all support to the Bangladeshi peacekeeping contingent there.”
Sudan’s army has since blamed the deadly drone attack on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group at the centre of the country’s ongoing civil war.
The RSF, led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as “Hemedti”, has been fighting the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) since clashes erupted in April 2023 over control of the country’s military and political institutions.
The fighting has spread across multiple regions, including Darfur, Kordofan and Khartoum, leaving thousands dead and millions displaced. The conflict has also created a severe humanitarian crisis, with widespread shortages of food and medical supplies reported.
Human rights groups have documented numerous violations throughout the conflict, including assaults on civilians and protected sites, raising concerns that some of the actions may constitute war crimes.
Despite repeated international calls for a ceasefire, the war in Sudan continues to intensify, placing both local populations and humanitarian aid personnel at growing risk.
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