Milan, 24 Aug. (LaPresse) – Two UN peacekeepers from the UN mission in South Sudan were killed today in an ambush carried out by unidentified armed men on their patrol as it was travelling towards Pajut, in Jonglei State. This was reported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which added that a further seven people were injured, including three peacekeepers, two officers from the South Sudan National Police Service and two civilian staff members. UNMISS added that it had deployed a Rapid Reaction Force to secure the area and support emergency operations. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) strongly condemned the ambush and pointed out that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, including international humanitarian law. “Such lethal violence directed against UNMISS personnel, who are working 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,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS. “I urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” she added.
South Sudan: Two UN peacekeepers killed in an ambush
Milan, 24 Aug. (LaPresse) – Two UN peacekeepers from the UN mission in South Sudan were killed today in an ambush carried out by unidentified armed men on their patrol as it was travelling towards Pajut, in Jonglei State. This was reported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which added that a further seven people were injured, including three peacekeepers, two officers from the South Sudan National Police Service and two civilian staff members. UNMISS added that it had deployed a Rapid Reaction Force to secure the area and support emergency operations. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) strongly condemned the ambush and pointed out that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, including international humanitarian law. “Such lethal violence directed against UNMISS personnel, who are working 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,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS. “I urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice,” she added.