US expresses condolences over 6 Bangladeshi peacekeepers death in Sudan

The United States has expressed deep condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a drone attack on a United Nations peacekeeping base in Sudan’s Abyei region.

In a statement issued on Sunday (December 14), the US Embassy in Dhaka said Washington mourns the sacrifice of the Bangladeshi peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag.

The statement also wished a speedy recovery to eight others who were injured in the attack and paid tribute to Bangladesh’s long-standing commitment and contribution to UN peacekeeping missions worldwide.

According to Bangladesh’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the attack occurred on Saturday between 3:40pm and 3:50pm local time, when a separatist armed group launched a drone strike on the Kadugli Logistic Base operating under the UN peacekeeping mission in Abyei. Six Bangladeshi peacekeepers were killed on duty and eight others were wounded.

ISPR said the injured personnel are receiving necessary medical care. One of them, soldier Mezbaul Kabir, underwent successful surgery after sustaining critical injuries and is currently under close observation. The remaining seven injured peacekeepers have been airlifted by helicopter for advanced treatment and are reported to be out of danger.

The Bangladesh Army strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a brutal act of terrorism.

ISPR said the fallen peacekeepers’ sacrifice will remain a proud testament to Bangladesh’s commitment to global peace, while expressing deep sympathy to the bereaved families and wishing the wounded a swift recovery.