Guterres condemns attacks on Bangladeshi UN peacekeepers in Sudan

NEW YORK, United States (MNTV) – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the killing of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and the injury of eight others in southern Sudan, warning that the attacks may constitute war crimes.

“I strongly condemn the horrific drone attacks that targeted the logistics base in Kadugli, Sudan, resulting in fatalities and injuries of members of the Bangladeshi UN Peacekeeping contingent,” Guterres said on X, the social media platform. “

Attacks against UN peacekeepers like this one are unjustifiable and may constitute war crimes. I remind everyone of their obligation to protect UN personnel and civilians. There will need to be accountability.”

Guterres extended condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers and to the government and people of Bangladesh.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s interim government head Muhammad Yunus condemned the attack as a “serious crime against international peace and humanity,” confirming that six peacekeepers were killed and eight injured in a drone strike on a UN base in Abyei.

Yunus expressed shock and requested urgent medical attention for the injured peacekeepers.

The attacks occurred amid the ongoing conflict between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary rebels, which began in April 2023 and has resulted in thousands of deaths and millions displaced.

The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) mission has been deployed since 2011.

The oil-rich Abyei Administrative Area is disputed by Sudan and South Sudan, both claiming the territory.