The UN Security Council on Friday condemned last week’s drone attacks on a UN logistics base in Sudan that killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and injured nine others.
In a press statement, members of the Security Council expressed deep condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers, as well as to the government and people of Bangladesh. They also wished a swift and full recovery to those injured.
The drone attacks took place on Saturday in Kadugli, in Sudan’s South Kordofan state.
Council members expressed grave concern that the deliberate assault on a UN logistics base and personnel of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) represented an egregious disregard for international law and posed a serious threat to international peace and security.
They denounced in the strongest terms the targeting of UN peacekeepers and all attacks and provocations against UNISFA, calling for those responsible to be held accountable without delay.
The members reiterated that attacks against peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and reminded all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law. They called on the United Nations to swiftly investigate the incident, with the support of UNISFA, and to keep the relevant troop-contributing country informed of the progress.
They also urged host authorities to take all appropriate steps to ensure the safety and security of UN premises, personnel and peacekeepers, and called on Sudan and South Sudan to extend full support to UNISFA and its operations.
The Council underscored the need for greater cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan to ensure peace, security and stability in Abyei, the territory disputed by the two countries, Xinhua news agency reported.
Sudan has been gripped by conflict since April 15, 2023, when fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), killing tens of thousands and forcing millions to flee within the country and across its borders.
—IANS
