Aerial Strike on UN Compound in Conflict-Ravaged Sudan Leaves Six UN Personnel
A unmanned attack hit a United Nations compound in conflict-ridden Sudan on Saturday, causing the deaths of six peacekeepers, as stated by a announcement.
The attack impacted a peacekeeping outpost in the city of Kadugli, situated in the mid-country region of Kordofan.
Eight other soldiers were hurt in the assault. Each of the those affected are from Bangladesh, part of the UN peacekeeping contingent in Abyei.
“Assaults targeting UN personnel could be war crimes under global statutes,” it was declared, urging the culprits for the “inexcusable” attack to be brought to justice.
Military Accuses Fighter Faction
The government forces attributed the attack on the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a notorious militia that has been fighting with the army for control of the country for more than two years.
The attack “clearly reveals the rebellious approach of the armed faction and those behind it,” the army said in a communication.
Context of the Disputed Region
The oil-rich Abyei is a claimed region between Sudan and South Sudan, and the UN mission has been stationed there since 2011, when the south seceded from Sudan.
Appeals for an swift truce in Sudan were also made to allow “a wide-ranging, inclusive and Sudanese-owned dialogue” to settle the fighting.
Country Plunged into Conflict Since 2023
Sudan was plunged into open war in April 2023 when a power struggle between the military and the RSF exploded into full-scale combat in the capital, Khartoum and other parts the country.
- The fighting has claimed tens of thousands, a figure advocates believe a significant undercount.
- Recent fighting has focused on Kordofan, especially since the RSF captured El Fasher.
- The crisis has destroyed urban areas and has been characterized by atrocities, including widespread sexual violence and ethnic slaughter.
- These actions have been described as crimes against humanity by the UN and rights groups.
- The conflict has also created the world’s worst humanitarian crisis and pushed parts of the country into starvation.
