Drone Attack on United Nations Peacekeeping Facility in Sudan (2025)

A military attack targeting a United Nations peacekeeping facility in Sudan occurred on 13 December 2025, when the logistical center of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state in Sudan, was struck. The attack resulted in the deaths of six Bangladeshi peacekeeping personnel and injuries to eight others.

Location of the Attack

The attack took place in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state in southern Sudan. Kadugli has been known as a settlement where various armed groups have operated since the outbreak of Sudan’s civil war and has at times been under siege. The United Nations peacekeeping facilities in the city are used for logistical and operational activities under the UNISFA mission.

The UNISFA mission was deployed in 2011 to ensure security in Abyei, a disputed region between Sudan and South Sudan. The logistical center in Kadugli supports supply and assistance operations for peacekeeping units operating in the Abyei region. The Abyei Administrative Area is recognized as a territory claimed by both countries due to its oil resources.

Course of the Attack

The attack occurred on Saturday, 13 December 2025. According to statements from United Nations and Sudanese authorities, the UNISFA logistical center was targeted by a drone. The Sudanese Armed Forces reported that the attack was carried out via a drone and that three missiles were launched from it. As a result of the strike, a fire broke out within the facility and storage areas were damaged.

Casualties and Injuries

Six United Nations peacekeeping personnel lost their lives in the attack. All deceased personnel were identified as Bangladeshi citizens serving under UNISFA. Information regarding the fatalities has been confirmed by the United Nations Secretary-General and the Bangladeshi military’s Directorate of Public Relations.

It was reported that eight Bangladeshi peacekeeping personnel were injured. Detailed medical information on the condition of the wounded has not been disclosed, but the Bangladeshi interim government has requested urgent medical support from the United Nations to ensure the injured receive the highest level of medical care.

Claims of Responsibility and Statements by Parties

Both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council have alleged that the attack was carried out by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The Sudanese military has characterized the attack as a violation of international humanitarian law and directly blamed the RSF. The RSF has denied the accusations. No other official statement has been issued by the RSF regarding the incident.

International Reactions

Statements by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres confirmed that six Bangladeshi peacekeeping personnel were killed and eight others injured in the attack. Guterres stated that targeting peacekeeping facilities may constitute a war crime under international law and called on all parties to observe a ceasefire.

World Health Organization (WHO)

World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed shock at the attack on the UN facility in Kadugli. Ghebreyesus emphasized that the protection of UN personnel and humanitarian and medical workers is mandatory under international law.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s interim government head Muhammad Yunus expressed sorrow over the attack. In his statement, he reiterated the request for urgent medical assistance from the United Nations for the injured personnel.

Sudanese Transitional Authority

The Sudanese Transitional Sovereignty Council condemned the attack and stated that assaults on United Nations facilities constitute violations of international law. The Council held the RSF responsible for the attack.

Türkiye

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye condemned the attack on the UNISFA logistical center in Kadugli. In its written statement, the ministry confirmed the details of the deaths of the Bangladeshi peacekeeping personnel and reaffirmed its support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan.