Pakistan condemns deadly drone attack on UN peacekeepers in Sudan

Pakistan strongly condemned on Monday a deadly attack on United Nations peacekeepers in Kadugli, Sudan, that killed six Bangladeshi troops serving with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei.

Several other peacekeepers were injured in the attack, which targeted a U.N. base in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan.

According to Bangladesh’s armed forces, at least six Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed and eight wounded in a drone attack on a U.N. base on Saturday. The information was provided by the military’s public relations division in a statement issued Sunday.

“A drone attack was carried out by separatist armed groups on the Kadugli Logistics Base under the UN peacekeeping mission in Abyei, Sudan yesterday (Saturday) from approximately 3:40 p.m. to 3:50 p.m. local time,” the statement said.

Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to U.N. peacekeeping missions, with its troops long deployed in the volatile Abyei region.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan described the attack as heinous and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.

The government conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Bangladesh and expressed solidarity with the families of the fallen peacekeepers.

The statement paid tribute to the role of U.N. peacekeepers, saying they remain at the forefront of international efforts to prevent conflict, protect civilians and promote peace and stability under the United Nations flag.

Pakistan honored the “Blue Helmets” for what it called the ultimate sacrifice in the service of global peace.

Islamabad also called for a swift and transparent investigation to identify those responsible and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Reaffirming its commitment to international peacekeeping, Pakistan said it would continue to work closely with members of the U.N. Security Council and the wider international community to enhance the safety and security of U.N. peacekeepers worldwide.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack in a post on X, offering condolences to the families of those killed and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

“Attacks against UN peacekeepers like this one are unjustifiable & may constitute war crimes. I remind everyone of their obligation to protect UN personnel & civilians,” Guterres said.

South Sudan split from Sudan in 2011 after a long civil war, but the two countries failed to agree on the status of several regions, including Abyei, that both sides claim.