6 Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in drone attack in Sudan

Six Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed in a horrific drone attack on a UN peacekeeping base in Sudan. At least 8 others were injured in the same incident. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep shock and strong condemnation of the brutal attack.

According to a report by Qatar-based international media Al Jazeera, the drone attack was carried out on a UN peacekeeping logistics base in Kadugli, South Kordofan state in central Sudan, on Saturday.

In a statement issued by the UN, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that all those killed and injured were Bangladeshi citizens. They were carrying out peacekeeping duties as members of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

In a statement, Guterres said, “I strongly condemn this horrific drone attack targeting the UN peacekeeping logistics base in Kadugoli, Sudan.”

He also said, “Attacks on UN peacekeepers are serious crimes under international law and may amount to war crimes. Such attacks targeting peacekeepers are unacceptable. Those responsible for this incident must be held accountable.”

Meanwhile, the Sudanese army has blamed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the attack. However, there was no immediate comment from the RSF on the attack.

It is worth noting that a fierce civil war has been going on between the Sudanese army and the RSF for more than two years. This conflict has severely deteriorated the security situation in the country and international forces and civilians have repeatedly been attacked.

The killing of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers has cast a shadow of deep concern and grief in the international community. Bangladesh has long played an important role in peacekeeping missions, and this attack has also raised new questions about the security of UN peacekeeping operations.