RSF drone strike on UN base in Kadugli kills six peacekeepers

RSF Drone Strike on UN Base in Kadugli Kills Six Peacekeepers

On December 15, 2025, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group in Sudan, executed a drone strike on a United Nations (UN) base located in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state. This attack resulted in the tragic deaths of six UN peacekeepers, highlighting the ongoing violence and instability in the region.

Key Details

Kadugli is situated in a strategically significant area controlled by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). This location is part of a SAF-controlled pocket along the southern axis of the frontlines surrounding el Obeid, which serves as the SAF’s headquarters in central Sudan. The RSF"s drone strike is indicative of the group"s increasing military capabilities and willingness to target international peacekeeping efforts.

The RSF has recently consolidated its control over western Sudan, which has raised concerns among international observers and analysts. The Center for Threat Policy (CTP) has assessed that the RSF is likely to intensify its offensive operations against the SAF-controlled areas, particularly focusing on Kadugli and its surroundings. This shift in strategy underscores the escalating conflict between the RSF and the SAF, which has been ongoing since the outbreak of violence in Sudan.

Background

The RSF, originally formed from the Janjaweed militias, has been involved in various conflicts across Sudan, particularly in Darfur. The group has gained notoriety for its aggressive tactics and has been implicated in numerous human rights violations. The UN peacekeepers targeted in this latest attack were part of a mission aimed at stabilizing the region and protecting civilians amidst the ongoing conflict.

The situation in South Kordofan has been precarious, with the region experiencing significant violence and humanitarian crises. The UN has been actively involved in peacekeeping efforts in Sudan, but attacks like the one in Kadugli pose serious challenges to their operations and the safety of personnel on the ground.

What"s Next

The implications of the RSF"s drone strike are profound. The loss of six peacekeepers not only represents a significant blow to the UN"s mission in Sudan but also raises questions about the future of international peacekeeping in conflict zones where armed groups like the RSF operate with impunity. As the RSF appears to be ramping up its military actions against the SAF, the potential for further violence and instability in the region is high.

In light of these developments, the international community may need to reassess its approach to peacekeeping in Sudan and consider additional measures to protect UN personnel and civilians. The situation remains fluid, and continued monitoring will be essential to understand the evolving dynamics of the conflict.

For more on related international developments, see our coverage of the EU establishing a commission for war damage claims against Russia.