Attack on UN peacekeepers may constitute a war crime: UN Secretary-General

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the attack on a UN base in Abyei of Sudan, where six Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed and eight others injured.

Speaking on X (formerly Twitter), he warned that such incidents could amount to war crimes.

“Attacks on UN peacekeepers are unacceptable under any circumstances. This may constitute a war crime,” Guterres said. “I remind everyone of the obligation to protect UN personnel and civilians. Accountability for this attack must be ensured.”

The drone strike targeted the UN Interim Security Force (UNISFA) logistics base in Abyéi. Guterres expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased peacekeepers and to the Government and people of Bangladesh, while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

On Saturday, Bangladesh’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that the attack was carried out by terrorists and that clashes are ongoing in the area.