Unmanned Assault on UN Base in Conflict-Ravaged Sudan Claims 6 Peacekeepers
A drone strike hit a United Nations facility in war-torn Sudan on Saturday, causing the demise of six UN soldiers, per a announcement.
The attack targeted a UN outpost in the city of Kadugli, situated in the central region of Kordofan.
Eight additional peacekeepers were wounded in the assault. All the casualties are Bangladeshi nationals, deployed with the UN peacekeeping contingent in Abyei.
“Assaults against UN personnel could be international crimes under global statutes,” the statement said, calling for the perpetrators for the “unjustifiable” attack to be held accountable.
Military Accuses Fighter Group
The Sudanese military blamed the incident on the paramilitary RSF group, a notorious armed faction that has been at war with the army for control of the country for over 24 months.
The attack “demonstrates the rebellious nature of the armed faction and its backers,” the military said in a statement.
Background of the Disputed Region
The oil-rich Abyei is a claimed region between Sudan and its southern neighbor, and the peacekeeping force has been operating there since 2011, when South Sudan became independent from Sudan.
Demands for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan were also issued to allow “a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese-owned dialogue” to resolve the fighting.
Nation Engulfed in Chaos Since 2023
Sudan was thrown into chaos in April 2023 when a power struggle between the military and the RSF exploded into open fighting in the national capital and elsewhere the country.
- The war has claimed more than 40,000 people, a toll advocates consider a low estimate.
- Recent hostilities has focused on Kordofan, particularly since the RSF captured El Fasher.
- The crisis has destroyed towns and has been noted for grave abuses, including widespread sexual violence and ethnic slaughter.
- These acts have been labeled crimes against humanity by international bodies.
- The situation has also caused the globe's most dire humanitarian emergency and forced parts of the country into starvation.
