Deadly Drone Strike Hits UN Base in Sudan, Killing Six Peacekeepers

A drone strike on a United Nations logistics base in Sudan has resulted in the deaths of six peacekeepers, according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

The attack, which occurred on Saturday in Kadugli, a city in the Kordofan region of central Sudan, also left eight other peacekeepers wounded. All of the victims were Bangladeshi nationals serving with the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

Guterres condemned the attack, stating that “Attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.” He called for those responsible for the “unjustifiable” act to be held accountable.

The Sudanese military has blamed the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the drone strike. The RSF, a paramilitary group, has been engaged in a conflict with the Sudanese army for control of the country for over two years. As of now, there has been no response from the RSF regarding the accusation.

According to the Sudanese military, the attack “clearly reveals the subversive approach of the rebel militia and those behind it.” The military also posted a video on social media allegedly showing plumes of black smoke rising from the site of the UN facility.

The oil-rich Abyei region is contested between Sudan and South Sudan. The UN has maintained a mission in the area since 2011, following South Sudan's independence from Sudan.

Secretary-General Guterres has also urged an immediate ceasefire in Sudan to facilitate “a comprehensive, inclusive and Sudanese-owned political process” to resolve the ongoing conflict.