Two United Nations peacekeepers have been killed after unidentified armed men ambushed their patrol in South Sudan’s Jonglei State.
The attack occurred on Monday as the patrol was travelling to Pajut, according to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Seven other people were injured in the attack, including three peacekeepers, two members of the South Sudan National Police Service and two civilian staff.
Following the incident, UNMISS deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and support the emergency response.
UNMISS head Anita Kiki Gbeho condemned the attack, describing the killing of peacekeepers serving to support peace in South Sudan as unacceptable.
The mission called for a prompt investigation into the incident and warned that attacks targeting United Nations peacekeepers could constitute war crimes under international law.
The latest attack highlights the security challenges faced by UNMISS personnel operating in volatile parts of South Sudan, where intercommunal violence, armed youth mobilisation and clashes involving government forces remain a concern.
While attacks on UN personnel are relatively rare, peacekeeping patrols continue to operate in areas affected by persistent insecurity.
