Unmanned Strike on United Nations Base in Conflict-Ravaged Sudan Claims Six Peacekeepers
A unmanned attack hit a UN facility in war-torn Sudan on Saturday, causing the demise of six peacekeeping personnel, as stated by a statement.
The attack targeted a UN outpost in the city of Kadugli, found in the central region of Kordofan.
8 other personnel were injured in the assault. All the victims are from Bangladesh, part of the United Nations mission in Abyei.
“Strikes against United Nations peacekeepers could amount to violations of international law under global statutes,” officials stated, calling for those responsible for the “inexcusable” attack to be brought to justice.
Army Accuses Paramilitary Group
The Sudanese military assigned responsibility for the strike on the RSF fighters, a prominent militia that has been engaged in conflict with the army for power in the country for since April 2023.
The attack “clearly reveals the rebellious tactics of the rebel militia and its backers,” the military said in a release.
Background of the Disputed Area
The oil-rich Abyei is a claimed territory between Sudan and South Sudan, and the peacekeeping force has been stationed there since 2011, when South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan.
Calls for an swift truce in Sudan were also issued to allow “a comprehensive, inclusive and locally driven peace process” to address the fighting.
Country Engulfed in Conflict Since 2023
Sudan was thrown into widespread violence in April 2023 when a dispute for control between the military and the RSF exploded into direct clashes in the capital, Khartoum and across the country.
- The conflict has claimed over 40,000 lives, a number advocates believe a significant undercount.
- Recent fighting has focused on Kordofan, especially since fighters took control of El Fasher.
- The crisis has wrecked cities and has been characterized by atrocities, like widespread sexual violence and killings based on ethnicity.
- These actions have been described as international crimes by global observers.
- The conflict has also created the planet's most severe humanitarian crisis and driven parts of the country into extreme hunger.
