Unmanned Strike on United Nations Compound in War-Torn Sudan Claims 6 UN Personnel
A unmanned attack hit a United Nations compound in conflict-ridden Sudan on Saturday, resulting in the loss of six peacekeepers, per a statement.
The incident impacted a peacekeeping outpost in the city of Kadugli, situated in the central region of Kordofan.
8 other peacekeepers were injured in the attack. Each of the casualties are Bangladeshi nationals, deployed with the UN interim security force for Abyei (Unisfa).
“Attacks aimed at UN personnel could amount to war crimes under international law,” the statement said, urging the perpetrators for the “inexcusable” attack to be brought to justice.
Military Accuses Fighter Group
The Sudanese military attributed the incident on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a prominent paramilitary group that has been at war with the government troops for control of the country for more than two years.
The strike “demonstrates the subversive approach of the rebel militia and its supporters,” the army said in a statement.
Background of the Disputed Area
The resource-abundant Abyei is a claimed region between Sudan and its southern neighbor, and the United Nations contingent has been stationed there since 2011, when South Sudan gained its independence from Sudan.
Appeals for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan were also expressed to allow “a broad, inclusive and Sudanese-owned dialogue” to address the conflict.
Nation Plunged into Chaos Since 2023
Sudan was plunged into chaos in April 2023 when a political rivalry between the army and the RSF turned into open fighting in the national capital and other parts the country.
- The conflict has claimed more than 40,000 people, a number rights groups regard as a significant undercount.
- Recent fighting has centred on Kordofan, especially since the RSF took control of El Fasher.
- The conflict has wrecked cities and has been characterized by grave abuses, including mass rape and ethnically motivated killings.
- These acts have been labeled international crimes by the UN and rights groups.
- The war has also created the planet's most severe humanitarian emergency and driven parts of the country into starvation.
