At least six Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving under the United Nations have been killed in a deadly terrorist attack on a UN base in Sudan, as fierce fighting continues in the conflict-torn region. The information was confirmed on Saturday by Bangladesh’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Directorate in an official statement.
According to ISPR, the attack took place at a United Nations facility in the Abyei area, a highly volatile zone situated near Sudan’s southern frontier. Terrorist forces launched a coordinated assault on the base, resulting in the deaths of six members of the Bangladesh Army who were deployed as part of a UN peacekeeping mission. A further eight Bangladeshi soldiers sustained injuries, several of them reportedly serious. ISPR added that armed engagements with the attackers were still ongoing at the time of the announcement.
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Statement from Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, expressed profound sorrow and grave concern over the incident. In a statement issued late on Saturday night, he said the nation was deeply saddened by the martyrdom of six courageous peacekeepers who lost their lives while carrying out the noble duty of restoring peace and stability.
He noted that Bangladesh’s substantial contribution to United Nations peacekeeping missions is internationally recognised, and that the sacrifice of these soldiers stands as both a source of national pride and deep collective grief. The Chief Adviser offered prayers for the departed souls and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, while wishing the injured personnel a swift and complete recovery.
Professor Yunus further stated that the government has urgently requested the United Nations to ensure the highest standard of medical care for the wounded and to provide all necessary support. He reaffirmed that the Government of Bangladesh would stand firmly beside the families of the fallen peacekeepers during this difficult time.
Condemning the attack in the strongest terms, the Chief Adviser described assaults on peacekeepers as grave crimes against international peace and humanity. He urged the United Nations and the wider international community to take effective measures to strengthen the security of peacekeeping forces operating in high-risk zones.
Details of the Attack
The French news agency AFP, citing hospital sources, reported that the UN building in Kadugli, located in Sudan’s Kordofan region, was targeted in the assault. Eyewitnesses stated that drones were used to strike the compound. Sudan’s army-backed government blamed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for the attack, calling it a “dangerous escalation”.
Kadugli, which has been under RSF siege for nearly a year and a half, was declared famine-stricken earlier this November. Its strategic location makes it crucial for maintaining supply routes and troop movements in central Sudan.
Casualties at a Glance
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed | 6 |
| Bangladeshi peacekeepers injured | 8 |
| Location of attack | Abyei / Kadugli, Sudan |
| Method of attack | Drone strike |
Wider Conflict Context
Sudan has been engulfed in brutal conflict since April 2023, when fighting erupted between the national army and the RSF. Analysts suggest the RSF’s intensified operations in central Sudan aim to breach army defences and pave the way for a renewed push towards Khartoum.
The RSF, formed in 2013 from the notorious Janjaweed militias, has long been accused of grave human rights abuses, including ethnic violence in Darfur. Despite repeated denials, allegations persist regarding foreign backing and illicit arms supplies, further complicating an already devastating conflict that continues to claim lives, including those committed to keeping peace.