What's happened
On December 13, 2025, a drone attack on a UN peacekeeping base in Kadugli, South Kordofan, Sudan, killed six Bangladeshi troops and injured eight. The Sudanese military blamed the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which denied involvement. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack, calling it a potential war crime amid Sudan's ongoing civil war.
What's behind the headline?
Escalation in Sudan's Protracted Conflict
The drone strike on UN peacekeepers marks a significant escalation in Sudan's ongoing civil war, highlighting the increasing use of advanced weaponry like drones by paramilitary groups such as the RSF. This attack not only endangers international peacekeeping efforts but also signals a breakdown in respect for international law, as underscored by UN Secretary-General Guterres' assertion that such attacks may constitute war crimes.
Complex Regional Dynamics
The location of the attack in Kadugli, South Kordofan—a strategic and contested region—reflects the RSF's push to control vital supply lines and agricultural areas. The RSF's denial of responsibility amid accusations from the Sudanese military illustrates the opaque and fragmented nature of the conflict, complicating accountability and peace efforts.
Implications for Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Aid
Bangladesh, a major contributor to UN peacekeeping, faces a direct blow with the loss of its troops, potentially affecting future deployments and international support. The attack threatens the UNISFA mission's ability to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid in a region already suffering famine and displacement.
Forecast and Consequences
Without a ceasefire or renewed political dialogue, violence is likely to intensify, with increased risks to UN personnel and civilians. The international community's response, including calls for accountability and renewed peace talks, will be critical in shaping Sudan's trajectory. The failure of recent diplomatic efforts, including those involving the US and Saudi Arabia, underscores the challenges ahead.
Relevance to Global Security
This incident exemplifies the growing risks to peacekeepers worldwide and the challenges posed by non-state armed groups employing modern warfare tactics. It demands urgent international attention to protect peacekeeping forces and uphold international humanitarian law.
What the papers say
The New York Times' Declan Walsh reported that the Sudanese military accused the RSF of firing three missiles into the UN base, causing casualties and damage, while the RSF remained silent on the allegations. France 24 highlighted UN Secretary-General António Guterres' condemnation of the "horrific" attack, emphasizing the potential war crimes aspect and the need for accountability. Arab News and All Africa detailed the human toll, with Bangladesh's interim leader Muhammad Yunus expressing deep sorrow and calling for emergency support for the injured troops. Al Jazeera provided context on the strategic importance of the Abyei and South Kordofan regions, noting the RSF's ongoing military advances and the dire humanitarian situation, including famine declarations. AP News and Reuters focused on the immediate aftermath and the unstable security situation, underscoring the challenges faced by UN peacekeepers in the volatile region. Together, these sources paint a comprehensive picture of a complex conflict with significant international ramifications and a pressing need for renewed diplomatic efforts.
How we got here
Sudan has been embroiled in a civil war since April 2023 between the military and the paramilitary RSF. The UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), deployed since 2011, operates in the disputed Abyei region and South Kordofan to protect civilians and monitor peace agreements. The conflict has caused massive displacement, famine, and humanitarian crises.
Go deeper
- Who are the Rapid Support Forces and what is their role in Sudan's conflict?
- What is the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei and its mission?
- How is Bangladesh involved in UN peacekeeping operations in Sudan?
Common question
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What Happened at the UN Peacekeeping Base in Sudan?
The recent drone attack on a UN peacekeeping base in Sudan has raised serious concerns worldwide. Six Bangladeshi troops were killed, and others injured, in an incident that highlights the escalating violence in the region. Many are asking what exactly happened, who was responsible, and how this affects ongoing peace efforts. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this tragic event and its broader implications.
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Who Are the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan?
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are a key player in Sudan's ongoing conflict, but who exactly are they? Understanding their role, history, and recent actions can help clarify the complex situation in Sudan today. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the RSF and their impact on the crisis.
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What Is the International Response to the Sudan and Gaza Crises?
Recent events in Sudan and Gaza have drawn global attention, prompting reactions from world leaders and the international community. From escalating violence and attacks on peacekeepers to worsening humanitarian crises, many are asking how the world is responding. Below, we explore the latest statements, actions, and ways individuals can help in these urgent situations.
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What Are the Main Risks Faced by UN Peacekeepers Today?
UN peacekeepers operate in some of the world's most volatile regions, facing numerous dangers that threaten their safety and mission success. Recent incidents, like the drone strike in Sudan, highlight the escalating risks in modern conflicts. Curious about what specific threats they encounter and how these are being managed? Below, we explore the key challenges peacekeepers face today and what measures are in place to protect them.
More on these topics
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Sudan, officially the Republic of the Sudan, is a country in North-East Africa. It is bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southe
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The Rapid Support Forces are Sudanese paramilitary forces operated by the Sudanese Government. The RSF grew out of, and is primarily composed of, the Janjaweed militias which fought on behalf of the Sudanese government during the War in Darfur, killing an
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Bangladesh, officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh, is a country in South Asia. It is the eighth-most populous country in the world, with a population exceeding 162 million people.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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The Abyei Area is an area of 10,546 km² or 4,072 sq mi on the border between South Sudan and the Sudan that has been accorded "special administrative status" by the 2004 Protocol on the Resolution of the Abyei Conflict in the Comprehensive Peace Agreemen