Six UN Peacekeepers Killed in Drone Attack on Kadugli Base

Kadugli, South Kordofan – December 13, 2025: Six United Nations peacekeepers from Bangladesh were tragically killed in a drone strike on a UN facility in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state in southern Sudan. The attack also left six others injured, including four in critical condition. The UN mission, United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), confirmed the deaths, while Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus expressed deep sorrow and demanded emergency support for the victims’ families.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the strike as “horrific” and warned that it “may constitute war crimes under international law,” calling for accountability for those responsible.

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Eyewitness Accounts and Immediate Aftermath

Medical personnel at Kadugli’s city hospital confirmed that six people were killed inside the UN facility. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the drone hit the UN camp directly, with fires erupting and smoke columns visible from a distance. The Sudanese army shared videos on social media showing the destruction and claimed that the attack represented a “dangerous escalation” of the ongoing conflict in the region.

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) denied involvement, calling accusations “false” and emphasizing that they were not responsible for the drone strike. Meanwhile, Sudanese Prime Minister Kamil Idris described the RSF as a “terrorist rebel militia” and urged the UN to ensure that perpetrators were brought to justice.

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Kadugli Under Siege

Kadugli has been under siege for over a year and a half, with the RSF controlling access to the city and restricting essential supplies. Earlier this year, the UN declared famine in the city, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation faced by its residents. The city’s strategic location in the oil-rich Kordofan region makes it a critical target for both the Sudanese army and the RSF.

The RSF’s eastward push follows their capture of El-Fasher in Darfur last October, giving them control over key agricultural and resource-rich areas. Analysts suggest that the RSF’s broader strategy aims to breach army defenses in central Sudan, potentially paving the way for future advances toward Khartoum.

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Civilian Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis

The conflict in South Kordofan has already caused widespread civilian suffering. A recent drone and artillery attack in Kalogi killed 114 people, including 63 children, according to the World Health Organization. Across Sudan, tens of thousands have died, millions have been displaced, and the country faces one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.

Aid efforts continue to be hindered by ongoing violence, restricted access, and communications blackouts. The UN has repeatedly called for safe corridors to provide food, medical supplies, and support to the besieged populations of Kadugli and surrounding areas.

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International Reactions

The international community has strongly condemned the drone strike. Bangladesh’s government pledged to support the families of the victims, while the UN demanded accountability. Global leaders emphasized that attacks on peacekeepers are unacceptable and potentially constitute war crimes.

Efforts to negotiate peace in Sudan have so far been unsuccessful. Last month, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed to be working on a plan to end the conflict following discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, but no concrete results have been achieved.

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Sudan Conflict Overview

Since April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in civil war between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary RSF. The fighting has involved drones, heavy artillery, and allied militias, devastating key regions like Darfur and Kordofan. The ongoing conflict threatens both regional stability and the safety of civilians, peacekeepers, and humanitarian workers.

Kadugli, under siege and famine-declared, epitomizes the suffering caused by this war, with residents facing starvation, violence, and a complete breakdown of basic services. The latest drone strike represents a tragic escalation in a conflict that has already claimed countless lives.