Unmanned Assault on United Nations Facility in Conflict-Ravaged Sudan Kills Six UN Personnel
A unmanned attack struck a UN compound in conflict-ridden Sudan on Saturday, leading to the deaths of six peacekeeping personnel, according to a announcement.
The incident occurred at a UN facility in the city of Kadugli, situated in the mid-country region of Kordofan.
8 other soldiers were wounded in the assault. Each of the victims are Bangladeshi nationals, part of the UN peacekeeping contingent in Abyei.
“Assaults aimed at United Nations personnel could amount to international crimes under global statutes,” it was declared, calling for the culprits for the “unacceptable” strike to be prosecuted.
Military Accuses Fighter Faction
The government forces assigned responsibility for the attack on the RSF fighters, a well-known armed faction that has been at war with the government troops for control of the country for since April 2023.
The attack “demonstrates the rebellious approach of the rebel militia and its supporters,” the military said in a statement.
Context of the Contested Area
The oil-rich Abyei is a disputed region between Sudan and South Sudan, and the UN mission has been operating there since 2011, when the south seceded from Sudan.
Demands for an swift truce in Sudan were also made to allow “a comprehensive, inclusive and nationally led peace process” to resolve the conflict.
Nation Plunged into Chaos Since 2023
Sudan was plunged into open war in April 2023 when a power struggle between the military and the RSF escalated into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum and other parts the country.
- The conflict has killed tens of thousands, a figure advocates regard as a low estimate.
- Recent fighting has focused on Kordofan, particularly since the RSF captured El Fasher.
- The war has wrecked towns and has been characterized by atrocities, including widespread sexual violence and ethnic slaughter.
- These actions have been labeled war crimes by international bodies.
- The conflict has also precipitated the planet's most severe humanitarian crisis and pushed parts of the country into extreme hunger.
