Two UN peacekeepers killed in South Sudan

Two United Nations peacekeepers have been killed in an ambush carried out by armed assailants in South Sudan, according to a press release issued by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Seven other people, including three peacekeepers, were injured.

“A mission patrol was ambushed near the village of Padjut in Jonglei State. Unidentified individuals opened fire on peacekeepers, police officers and civilians accompanying them. A quick reaction force was deployed to the area of the clashes. The search for the attackers is ongoing,” the statement said.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan was established in 2011 by a decision of the UN Security Council. It currently has around 18,000 personnel, including 17,000 military personnel. Representatives of more than 75 countries serve in the mission.

The core of its combat units consists of troops from India, Rwanda, Nepal, Bangladesh and Ethiopia. The mission’s mandate allows peacekeepers to use military force and open fire not only in self-defence but also to protect civilians in the event of an imminent threat.