Bangladesh has confirmed that six of its soldiers serving with the United Nations peacekeeping mission were killed and at least eight others wounded after a drone attack struck a UN logistics base in the disputed Abyei region, an area contested by Sudan and South Sudan. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from both Bangladeshi authorities and the United Nations, highlighting the growing dangers faced by peacekeepers operating in conflict zones.
According to a statement released by the public relations wing of Bangladesh’s armed forces on Sunday, the attack occurred on Saturday afternoon at the Kadugali Logistics Base, which operates under the UN peacekeeping mission in Abyei. The assault took place between approximately 3:40 p.m. and 3:50 p.m. local time and was carried out using drones, reportedly by separatist armed groups active in the region.
The Bangladeshi military said the victims were part of its peacekeeping contingent deployed to maintain stability in the volatile border area. Emergency medical teams and UN personnel immediately began rescue and evacuation efforts following the strike, with the injured transferred for urgent medical treatment. Authorities said efforts were ongoing to ensure the wounded receive the best possible care.
Bangladesh’s Role in UN Peacekeeping
Bangladesh is one of the world’s largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping operations, with thousands of troops deployed across multiple conflict zones in Africa and elsewhere. Bangladeshi peacekeepers have long served in Abyei, a region plagued by unresolved political disputes, armed groups, and recurring violence. The loss of six soldiers represents one of the deadliest incidents involving Bangladeshi peacekeepers in recent years.
In a brief statement earlier, Bangladesh’s army emphasized its commitment to international peacekeeping despite the risks involved, while also expressing deep sorrow over the deaths. The fallen soldiers were described as having been on duty to protect civilians and support stability under the UN mandate.
United Nations Condemns the Attack
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the drone strike, offering condolences to the families of those killed and wishing a swift recovery to the injured peacekeepers. In a statement posted on social media platform X, Guterres underscored the seriousness of the incident and warned that attacks on UN personnel are unacceptable.
“Attacks against UN peacekeepers like this one are unjustifiable and may constitute war crimes,” Guterres said. He reminded all parties involved in the conflict of their obligation under international law to protect UN personnel and civilians.
The UN has not yet released details on who was responsible for the attack, but officials said investigations are underway to establish accountability and assess security measures at the base.
Abyei: A Longstanding Flashpoint
The Abyei region remains one of the most sensitive and disputed areas between Sudan and South Sudan. When South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 after decades of civil war, several border regions—including Abyei—were left without a final agreement on their political status. Both countries continue to claim sovereignty over the area, which is rich in natural resources and strategically important.
As a result, Abyei has seen repeated outbreaks of violence involving armed militias, local communities, and, at times, national forces. The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was established to monitor the situation, protect civilians, and prevent further escalation between the two countries.
Despite the UN presence, peacekeepers in Abyei have increasingly faced security threats, including ambushes, armed raids, and now drone attacks, reflecting a shift toward more sophisticated methods by armed groups operating in the region.
Rising Risks for Peacekeepers
The use of drones in the attack has raised concerns within the international community about the evolving nature of threats against peacekeeping missions. Traditionally, UN bases were targeted with small arms or indirect fire, but drone technology allows armed groups to strike from a distance with greater precision.
Security analysts say this incident underscores the need for enhanced protective measures for peacekeepers, including improved early-warning systems and stronger coordination with local and regional authorities.
International and Regional Implications
The deaths of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers have sparked renewed calls for stronger international support for UN missions operating in high-risk environments. Bangladesh’s contribution to peacekeeping has long been a source of national pride, and attacks on its troops resonate deeply both domestically and internationally.
While South Sudan and Sudan have made intermittent efforts to improve relations, unresolved disputes like Abyei continue to undermine long-term stability. The attack is likely to add pressure on regional leaders and the international community to address the security vacuum that allows armed groups to operate with relative impunity.
As investigations continue, tributes are expected to be paid to the fallen peacekeepers, who were serving far from home under the UN flag. Their deaths serve as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those tasked with maintaining peace in some of the world’s most fragile regions.
Source:Africa Publicity
