New York, December 15 — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned drone strikes that hit a UN logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, killing six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and wounding eight others.
Guterres expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and wished a swift recovery for the injured, stressing that attacks on UN personnel are unacceptable. He warned that such assaults could amount to war crimes and reiterated that all parties to the conflict are obliged to protect UN staff and civilians. He said there must be accountability for the incident.
The strikes struck a UN Interim Force location linked to UNISFA operations, and came a day after a separate drone attack in Abyei also killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and injured others. The repeated losses have intensified concerns about the security of peacekeeping contingents operating in the area.
Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the attack, mourning its “valiant sons” and offering deep condolences to the bereaved families. The ministry said it has asked Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York to ensure that the wounded receive the best possible medical care. The Bangladesh Mission remains in close contact with UN authorities and is coordinating support for the contingent on the ground.
Bangladesh’s Inter-Services Public Relations office earlier described the incident as a terrorist attack. Officials are working with the UN to confirm details and to provide assistance to survivors and families.
The Secretary-General’s statement underscores the UN’s view that personnel carrying out peacekeeping duties must be protected and that attacks on them undermine efforts to stabilize volatile regions. Investigations and steps to hold those responsible to account were called for by both the UN and Bangladesh.
The situation continues to be monitored by UN headquarters and member states, as diplomatic and operational responses are organized to address security risks faced by peacekeepers in Sudan.
