Two UN peacekeepers killed in South Sudan ambush

• Two UN peacekeepers were killed in an ambush in South Sudan's Jonglei state.
• Seven others were injured, including three peacekeepers, two police officers, and two civilian staff.
• The attack occurred while the patrol was traveling to Pajut.
• UNMISS deployed a Quick Reaction Force to the area.
• The UN mission condemned the violence and called for an investigation.

Two United Nations peacekeepers were killed and seven others injured in an ambush by unidentified armed individuals in South Sudan's Jonglei state on Monday. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) stated that the patrol was en route to Pajut when it came under fire.

Among the injured were three peacekeepers, two personnel from the South Sudan National Police Service, and two civilian staff. UNMISS deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and provide support for the emergency response.

Anita Kiki Gbeho, the head of UNMISS, condemned the attack, calling such violence against peacekeepers unacceptable and extending condolences to the families of the deceased. The mission emphasized that attacks on UN personnel may constitute war crimes under international law and urged for a prompt investigation to ensure accountability.

Attacks on UN peacekeepers, while rare, are not unprecedented in South Sudan, where UNMISS patrols operate in volatile regions affected by intercommunal fighting and clashes involving armed groups and government forces.