Two UN peacekeepers killed in ambush in South Sudan

Two UN peacekeepers serving in South Sudan have been killed and seven others wounded in an ambush in Jonglei State. The victims were part of a UN peacekeeping force from Ethiopia. The attack occurred on Monday, and the United Nations confirmed the casualties in a press briefing.

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These patrols are part of the usual patrols that the UN carries out to try to alleviate the constant insecurity in the area.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that the patrol was ambushed by unidentified armed men. He indicated that the patrol seemed to be the deliberate target of the attack. Dujarric emphasized that such patrols are routine and aim to mitigate the persistent insecurity in the region. The injured included three UN peacekeepers, two South Sudanese police officers, and two civilian staff members.

Dujarric urged the relevant authorities to conduct a swift and thorough investigation to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice. He also highlighted that attacks against UN peacekeepers can be considered war crimes under international law. This incident brings the total number of peacekeepers killed in malicious acts since January 1 to nine.

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attacks against the United Nations peacekeeping forces may constitute war crimes under international law.

While attacks on UN personnel are not common, they have occurred in South Sudan. The country faces ongoing instability, including intercommunal clashes, armed youth mobilization, and confrontations involving government forces. In response to rising violence and low prosecution rates, the UN Security Council approved a resolution in June to strengthen accountability for attacks on peacekeepers. This follows previous incidents, such as the killing of seven peacekeepers in Lebanon earlier this year.

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The latest acts of violence raise the number of peacekeepers killed in malicious acts since January 1 of this year to nine.