UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan reinforces protection measures after recent deadly attack

HAMILTON, Canada

The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) on Monday said it has taken "all necessary steps to protect its personnel and facilities" following a deadly drone attack on its logistics base in Kadugli, South Kordofan, that killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers and injured nine others.

In a statement, the UN said the "horrific drone attacks" on Dec. 13 targeted the UN peacekeeping base while the peacekeepers were on duty. A solemn ceremony was held on Monday at UNISFA headquarters in Abyei to honor the six fallen peacekeepers, whose remains are being escorted back to Bangladesh, the statement said.

"Their sacrifice for peace will never be forgotten," it said, adding that "the entire UNISFA family stands in grief with the families of the fallen peacekeepers and the Government and people of Bangladesh."

The injured peacekeepers were evacuated from Kadugli to Abyei on the day of the attack and are receiving treatment at UNISFA’s hospital. The mission said its “top priority is to do everything possible to provide appropriate medical care for the injured.”

UNISFA "strongly condemns the horrific attack on its peacekeepers" and extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and the Bangladeshi government, while wishing "swift and complete recovery" to those injured.

"The Mission has taken all the necessary steps to protect its personnel and facilities, by reinforcing protection measures at the Kadugli logistics base to ensure the safety of its personnel and it is closely coordinating with relevant stakeholders to assess the situation," it said.

The statement also noted that "the Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Robert Yaw Affram, visited Kadugli today to assess the situation and to engage with the peacekeepers on the ground and other relevant parties."

UNISFA further reiterated the UN secretary-general's message that attacks on UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and that those responsible will be held accountable.