9 Killed and Injured, Including UN Peacekeepers, in Treacherous Ambush in South Sudan

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) strongly condemned an ambush carried out on Monday by unidentified armed men against its patrol heading to Pagout in Jonglei State, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of several mission personnel and members of the national police.

The attack killed two UN peacekeepers and wounded seven others: three peacekeepers, two members of the South Sudan National Police, and two civilian staff members.

In a press statement, the mission said it had deployed a rapid reaction force to secure the area and support the emergency response.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Anita Kiki Gbeho, said: “This deadly violence targeting mission personnel who are serving to support peace in South Sudan is unacceptable. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the peacekeepers who lost their lives, and I wish those injured a speedy recovery.”

The mission reminded all parties that attacks against United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, including international humanitarian law.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General called on the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and urgent investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.