A drone strike in Sudan has resulted in the deaths of six Bangladeshi United Nations peacekeepers and left eight others injured. The incident targeted a logistics base belonging to the peacekeeping forces in Kadugli, according to news agencies. All victims are reported to be Bangladeshi nationals.
The attack unfolds amidst a severely deteriorating security situation in Sudan, particularly following the military’s withdrawal from El Fasher last week. Paramilitary forces have since seized control of the city, leading to what has been described as an ongoing massacre. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strike, emphasizing that such “unjustified attacks” could constitute war crimes. The Sudanese army has attributed responsibility for the assault to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group. Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating civil war since April 2023, a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced over 12 million people.
Separately, a horrific shooting incident at Sydney’s Bondi Beach in Australia drew international condemnation. Initial reports from the scene indicated a significant loss of life, with figures as high as 15 fatalities. Later updates confirmed 29 injuries, including two police officers, while also stating that one assailant was killed in a retaliatory action and another was injured and subsequently taken into custody. Authorities have since concluded their search for additional suspects. The identity of a citizen named Ahmed, who reportedly apprehended one of the attackers, has come to light. The incident prompted swift condemnation from global leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who noted the timing coincided with a Jewish festival. During the incident, Sydney Scorchers players warming up nearby were reportedly given phones and leniency under the law.
In other international developments, US Special Representative Steve Witkoff announced substantial progress in ceasefire negotiations with the Ukrainian President. Concurrently, an extraordinary meeting on the situation in Afghanistan was convened in Tehran, bringing together officials from China, Russia, Pakistan, and other nations.
Royal news indicates that King Charles and Queen Camilla are slated to travel over 15,000 miles next year, with family sources also noting ongoing reviews of online activities for students and exchange visitors. Australia’s Interior Minister commented on an attack, stating the father of an assailant had entered the country on a student visa, while the son involved in the attack was born in Australia.
Domestic and regional news highlights include Indian opposition leader J. Ram Ramesh’s assertion that India’s “humiliating defeat” by Pakistan in May was a major cause of international embarrassment. In London, Mayor Sadiq Khan’s office at City Hall has provided financial support for initiatives aimed at combating crime and restoring public trust. Meanwhile, the Islamabad High Court heard a degree dispute case presided over by Justice Tariq Jahangiri. Elsewhere, a film project is underway to showcase the positive aspects of Lyari’s sports culture and heritage. Legal updates mention Barrister Gohar confirming nominations from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by Qazi Anwar Advocate, with Salman Akram Raja and Hamid Khan reportedly issuing a written order. Law enforcement sources also reported that a family member of Rob Reiner visited his residence, where both individuals were found deceased.
