Six Bangladeshi Peacekeepers Killed in Terrorist Attack in Sudan

Dhaka, Saturday:

Six Bangladeshi peacekeepers have been killed in a terrorist attack in Sudan, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Bangladesh on Saturday.

ISPR said terrorists launched an attack on a United Nations base in the Abyei area of Sudan. In the incident, six members of the Bangladesh Army serving as UN peacekeepers were killed, while eight others were injured. Clashes between peacekeepers and attackers are still ongoing, and the situation in the area remains tense.

Chief Adviser’s Condolence Message

In a condolence statement, the Chief Adviser expressed deep sorrow over the martyrdom of six brave Bangladeshi peacekeepers and the injury of eight others while they were performing their noble duty of maintaining peace and stability.

He stated that Bangladesh’s outstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping missions is internationally recognized, and the sacrifice of these peacekeepers stands as a source of national pride, while also marking a moment of profound grief for the nation.

The Chief Adviser prayed for the eternal peace of the departed souls and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He also wished a speedy recovery for the injured and said that the United Nations has been urged to take urgent measures to ensure the best possible medical treatment and necessary support for them. The government, he added, remains firmly committed to standing by the families of the fallen peacekeepers.

Condemning the attack in the strongest terms, the Chief Adviser said assaults on peacekeepers constitute a grave crime against international peace and humanity. He called upon the United Nations and the international community to take effective steps to further ensure the safety and security of peacekeeping forces.

The statement also noted that the Bangladesh government will continue close coordination with the United Nations to ensure the swift repatriation of the bodies of the deceased and proper medical care for the injured.

Drone Attack on UN Facility

Meanwhile, AFP, citing hospital sources, reported that a UN facility in Kadugli city of Sudan’s Kordofan region was attacked, resulting in six fatalities.

Sudan’s army-backed government strongly condemned the attack. In an official statement, authorities blamed the anti-government paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the incident.

According to eyewitnesses quoted by AFP, the attack on the UN building was carried out using drones.

Sudan’s Sovereign Council, led by Army Chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, described the incident as a “dangerous escalation” in the ongoing conflict.

Ongoing Conflict in Kordofan

Kadugli city was declared famine-stricken earlier this November. The RSF has reportedly besieged the city for nearly a year and a half.

The Kordofan region is a key agricultural area divided into three states and holds significant strategic importance. It lies between RSF-controlled Darfur in the west and army-controlled areas to the north, east, and central regions, making Kadugli a vital hub for supply lines and troop movements.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in conflict between the national army and the RSF. Analysts say the RSF has deployed drones, fighters, and allied militias in the region in an effort to break army defenses and retake the capital, Khartoum.

Allegations Against RSF

The RSF, formed in 2013, originated from the Janjaweed militias of Darfur and has faced widespread allegations of atrocities, including mass killings and ethnic violence against Black African communities in the region.

Under the leadership of General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, the RSF grew into a powerful force. The group has also been accused of involvement in conflicts in Yemen and Libya. Dagalo is further alleged to control several gold mines in Sudan and to be linked to gold smuggling to the United Arab Emirates.

Sudan’s army has accused the UAE of supporting the RSF by supplying drones, a claim the Gulf state has denied. The army has also alleged that eastern Libyan strongman General Khalifa Haftar has aided the RSF by facilitating arms smuggling and sending fighters to support the group.