Aerial Strike on United Nations Facility in War-Torn Sudan Leaves Six Peacekeepers
A aerial bombardment targeted a United Nations facility in conflict-ridden Sudan on Saturday, causing the deaths of six peacekeeping personnel, as stated by a declaration.
The attack impacted a UN logistics base in the city of Kadugli, situated in the mid-country region of Kordofan.
8 additional peacekeepers were hurt in the attack. All the those affected are from Bangladesh, serving in the UN peacekeeping contingent in Abyei.
“Strikes targeting UN personnel may constitute international crimes under global statutes,” the statement said, demanding the culprits for the “inexcusable” attack to be brought to justice.
Military Accuses Fighter Group
The government forces assigned responsibility for the attack on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a notorious armed faction that has been fighting with the military for power in the country for over 24 months.
The attack “demonstrates the subversive approach of the paramilitary group and its supporters,” the military said in a communication.
Background of the Disputed Region
The resource-abundant Abyei is a contested region between Sudan and its southern neighbor, and the peacekeeping force has been deployed there since 2011, when the south gained its independence from Sudan.
Appeals for an swift truce in Sudan were also expressed to allow “a comprehensive, inclusive and locally driven political process” to resolve the war.
Country Plunged into Conflict Since 2023
Sudan was thrown into open war in April 2023 when a political rivalry between the army and the RSF exploded into direct clashes in the national capital and other parts the country.
- The conflict has killed more than 40,000 people, a figure rights groups believe a low estimate.
- Recent fighting has focused on Kordofan, especially since fighters seized El Fasher.
- The war has destroyed towns and has been noted for horrors, such as mass rape and ethnic slaughter.
- These acts have been labeled international crimes by international bodies.
- The conflict has also caused the world’s worst humanitarian emergency and pushed parts of the country into extreme hunger.
