Kadugli, Sudan — UN Peacekeepers Mourn Six Fallen in Drone Strike. Kadugli, Sudan — United Nations peacekeepers held a solemn ceremony in Kadugli on Monday to mourn six of their colleagues who were killed in a drone strike on their base in the central Kordofan region of Sudan.
The deceased peacekeepers, all Bangladeshi nationals, were serving with the UNISFA security force for Abyei.
The remains of the fallen peacekeepers were returned to Bangladesh following the ceremony.
In a statement, Farhan Haq, the deputy spokesperson for United Nations Secretary — General, emphasized that attacks on UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law. He called on all parties to the conflict to fulfill their obligation to protect UN personnel and civilians.
According to the Sudanese military, the drone strike was carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who have been engaged in a conflict with the Sudanese army for over two years.
The RSF have been accused of numerous human rights abuses and have been a point of contention in the ongoing conflict.
The UN mission in Abyei has been in place since 2011, following South Sudan’s independence from Sudan.
The region, rich in oil, remains a contentious area between the two countries.
The incident underscores the dangers faced by peacekeepers in conflict zones and the need for accountability for such attacks.
The UN Secretary — General’s statement indicates a strong stance against such acts, emphasizing the need for accountability and protection of UN personnel.
Further details regarding the investigation into the drone strike and the response from the international community are expected to emerge in the coming days.
