Providing an update at the daily noon briefing, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said the blue helmets were killed and nine others injured on Saturday when the UNISFA logistics base was struck in what the mission described as a horrific drone attack. The perpetrators have not yet been identified.
The ceremony in Abyei marked the official farewell to the fallen peacekeepers, whose remains will be escorted back to Bangladesh. UNISFA said their sacrifice for peace would never be forgotten, adding that the entire mission stands in grief with the families of the deceased and with the Government and people of Bangladesh.
The nine injured peacekeepers were evacuated from Kadugli to Abyei on the day of the attack and are receiving treatment at the UNISFA hospital. The mission said its top priority remains providing all necessary and appropriate medical care to those wounded.
UNISFA strongly condemned the attack, offering condolences to the families of the deceased and the Bangladeshi authorities, while wishing a swift and complete recovery to the injured.
The mission confirmed that additional steps have been taken to protect personnel and facilities, including reinforcing protection measures at the Kadugli logistics base. It said the situation continues to be closely assessed.
The Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Robert Yaw Affram, visited Kadugli on Monday.
UNISFA also reiterated the Secretary-General’s message delivered over the weekend, stressing that attacks targeting peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law and that those responsible must be held accountable.
UNISFA was established in 2011 and its mandate, recently extended for another year, includes strengthening the capacity of the Abyei Police Service in the disputed oil-rich region, monitoring and verifying the redeployment of forces, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance, and protecting civilians.
Nearly 4 000 military and police personnel serve with the mission, alongside civilian staff.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
