Bangladesh (Commonwealth Union)_ Six Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving under the United Nations were killed when a drone attack struck a UN base in Sudan’s Kordofan region, in one of the deadliest assaults on international peacekeeping forces in the country in recent months. The incident highlights the growing dangers faced by UN personnel operating amid Sudan’s prolonged and increasingly complex conflict. Bangladesh is among the world’s largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, with its troops deployed in some of the most fragile regions globally.
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For years, Bangladeshi peacekeepers have served in Abyei, a disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan that has remained volatile due to political tensions and recurring violence. In a statement, the United Nations confirmed that the drone hit a peacekeeping base operating in Kordofan, a region that has seen heavy fighting as Sudan’s civil war continues. Alongside the six fatalities, at least six other Bangladeshi peacekeepers were injured in the strike. Four of the wounded were reported to be in critical condition and were receiving urgent medical care. All those affected in the attack were Bangladeshi nationals.
The attack was strongly denounced by the UN, which described it as a serious breach of international law. The government and people of Bangladesh, as well as the families of the killed peacekeepers, received condolences from Secretary-General António Guterres, who expressed profound sadness over the deaths. He emphasized that attacks on UN employees are never acceptable and might be considered war crimes under international humanitarian law. “I strongly condemn the horrific drone attack that targeted a logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, resulting in the deaths and injuries of members of the Bangladeshi UN peacekeeping contingent,” Guterres said in a post on X. He urged those responsible to be held accountable and renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the urgent need for dialogue and peace efforts to end the violence.
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Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, also condemned the incident, describing it as a “cowardly attack” on peacekeepers who were deployed to protect civilians and support stability in a conflict zone. He called on the United Nations to ensure that the injured peacekeepers receive the highest level of medical treatment and necessary logistical support. Yunus further demanded a thorough and transparent investigation to identify those behind the attack. “The United Nations has already been requested to take urgent measures to ensure the best possible medical care and assistance for the injured peacekeepers,” Yunus said, adding that the nation was deeply shocked by the loss of its soldiers serving under the UN flag.
The Sudanese Armed Forces blamed the attack on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a powerful paramilitary group that has been locked in a brutal power struggle with the national army for more than two years. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has ravaged Sudan, resulting in one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. Millions of people have been displaced, thousands of civilians have been killed, and critical services, including healthcare, education, and governance, have crumbled in many locations. The RSF did not issue an immediate response to the accusations. In past incidents, attacks on civilian and international targets have often been followed by competing claims from both sides, making it difficult to establish responsibility and pursue justice.
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The most recent incident in Sudan demonstrates the increased danger that UN personnel are exposed to as a result of unstable and dangerous conditions due to fluctuating battle lines, high usage of drones, and the collapse of the rule of law. However, the UN continues to be committed to promoting humanitarian activities, peace, and stability in Sudan. The UN urged all parties to comply with international law and protect the rights of UN personnel. The increasing threat to the security of Sudan has led the governments and international organizations of the world to act quickly to express their outrage at this event.
In the United States, Massad Boulos, senior adviser for Arab and African Affairs, described the attack on the UN base in Kadugli as an “egregious disregard for international efforts to protect peace and security.” He emphasized the importance of safeguarding peacekeepers working in dangerous conditions. Turkiye also condemned the drone strike. In a statement, the Turkish foreign ministry expressed condolences to the families of the fallen Bangladeshi peacekeepers and wished a speedy recovery to those injured. Additionally, the United Kingdom joined in expressing sympathy, with the British High Commission offering heartfelt condolences to the families of the six peacekeepers who lost their lives and wishing a full and swift recovery to those wounded in the attack.
Pakistan described the incident as a “heinous attack” against UN peacekeepers and extended condolences to Bangladesh. “UN peacekeepers remain at the forefront of international efforts to prevent conflict, protect civilians, and support peace under the UN flag,” Pakistan’s Foreign Office said, paying tribute to the sacrifice made by the fallen personnel. The United Arab Emirates also strongly condemned the drone attack on the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) base in Kadugli. In a statement, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected all forms of violence aimed at undermining security and stability and called for accountability for those responsible.
