Two UN Peacekeepers Killed in South Sudan Ambush

Two United Nations peacekeepers were killed on Monday when unidentified gunmen ambushed a patrol traveling to Pajut in South Sudan’s Jonglei State. Seven others were injured, including three peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel and two civilian mission staff.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and support the emergency response. UNMISS head Anita Kiki Gbeho condemned the deadly violence against mission personnel as unacceptable. The mission called for a prompt investigation and said attacks on UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law.

Attacks on UN personnel are rare but not unprecedented in South Sudan. UNMISS patrols operate in volatile areas affected by intercommunal fighting, armed youth mobilization and clashes involving government forces.

(Reuters, max)