Pakistan condemns deadly attack on UN peacekeepers in Sudan

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday strongly condemned a brutal attack on United Nations peacekeepers in Kadugli, Sudan, which claimed the lives of six Bangladeshi personnel serving with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei and left several others injured.

According to the UN mission, at least six Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed on Saturday in a drone strike in Sudan’s southern Kordofan region. Bangladesh sharply condemned the attack, calling for accountability.

In a statement, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi expressed deep condolences to Bangladesh. “Pakistan expresses its deepest condolences to the government and people of Bangladesh on the loss of these precious lives, and stands in solidarity with the bereaved families in this tragic hour,” he said.

The spokesperson said UN peacekeepers remain at the forefront of international efforts to prevent conflict, protect civilians and support peace under the UN flag. “We pay homage to the ultimate sacrifice made by these Blue Helmets in the line of duty for peace and stability in the region,” he added.

Pakistan called for a swift investigation to identify the perpetrators of what it described as a cowardly attack and to ensure those responsible are held accountable. The statement also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to working closely with members of the UN Security Council and the wider international community to ensure the safety and security of UN peacekeepers.

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Separately, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the “horrific” attack, warning that it may constitute war crimes under international law. “Attacks as the one today in South Kordofan against peacekeepers are unjustifiable. There will need to be accountability,” he said.

Bangladesh’s interim leader Muhammad Yunus said he was deeply saddened by the attack, confirming six deaths and eight injuries. He urged the UN to ensure emergency support for Bangladeshi personnel and said the government would stand by the families of the victims.

Bangladesh’s foreign ministry also strongly condemned the incident. UN peacekeepers are deployed in Abyei, a disputed region between Sudan and South Sudan.