Two UN peacekeepers killed in ambush while on patrol in South Sudan, seven others injured

Two United Nations peacekeepers were killed in an ambush while on patrol in South Sudan's Jonglei state on Monday, according to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The attackers, whose identities remain unknown, struck the patrol as it headed towards Pajut. Seven others sustained injuries; three were UN peacekeepers, two were personnel from South Sudan's National Police Service, and two were civilian staff.

UNMISS responded swiftly by deploying a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and assist in the emergency response. The mission's head, Anita Kiki Gbeho, condemned the deadly violence targeting UNMISS personnel, stating that such actions are unacceptable. Gbeho called for a prompt investigation and emphasized that attacks on UN peacekeepers could be considered war crimes under international law.

While attacks on UN personnel are rare, they are not entirely unprecedented in South Sudan. The UNMISS patrols operate in volatile regions plagued by intercommunal fighting, armed youth mobilizations, and clashes involving government forces.