Juba, Aug. 27:
Two UN peacekeepers were killed and seven others injured when an armed group ambushed a patrol travelling to a remote area of South Sudan, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said.
The attack took place on Monday as the patrol was travelling towards Pajut in Jonglei State. The mission said the attackers opened fire on the patrol, killing two peacekeepers and wounding others.
The two peacekeepers killed and three of those injured were Ethiopian nationals, according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
Two South Sudanese police personnel and two civilian staff members were also injured in the attack.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the ambush.
UNMISS said it had deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and assist with the emergency response following the attack.
The incident is particularly significant because although violence remains widespread in South Sudan, attacks directly targeting UN peacekeepers are relatively rare.
UNMISS personnel operate in difficult and often dangerous conditions while attempting to protect civilians, support peace-building efforts and assist humanitarian operations.
UNMISS head Anita Kiki Gbeho condemned the attack and described the killing of personnel serving to support peace in South Sudan as unacceptable.
The latest violence underscores the continuing security challenges facing the world’s youngest country, which has struggled with political instability and armed violence despite efforts to implement peace agreements.
The United Nations is expected to continue assessing the security situation around Pajut and surrounding areas following the attack.
The mission’s Quick Reaction Force will remain involved in securing the area and supporting the injured personnel and emergency teams.
The incident has renewed concerns over the risks faced by international peacekeepers working in conflict-affected parts of South Sudan.