NAIROBI, Aug 24: Two peacekeepers were killed in an ambush in Jonglei state of South Sudan on Monday, the United Nations said.
Jonglei state, in the east of the highly unstable east African country, has been a focus of recent conflict between the government and opposition forces.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said the attack by "unidentified armed individuals" happened as a patrol was heading to the town of Pajut, and could "constitute war crimes".
"Two peacekeepers were killed in the attack, while seven others were injured, including three peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel and two civilian staff," it said in a statement, strongly condemning the incident.
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UNMISS said it had deployed a "Quick Reaction Force" to the area.
"Such deadly violence targeting UNMISS personnel who are serving to support peace in South Sudan is unacceptable. I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the peacekeepers who lost their lives and wish those injured a speedy recovery," said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.
South Sudan, one of the poorest and most corrupt nations in the world, gained independence in 2011 but soon after fell into civil war.
A power-sharing deal ended the war in 2018, but has lately been falling apart, even as the government of President Salva Kiir attempts to hold the country's first elections in December.
Nepal has long been a prominent contributor to UN peacekeeping, with Nepali personnel serving in conflict-affected regions around the world. In South Sudan, Nepali peacekeepers contribute to security patrols, civilian protection and humanitarian assessments alongside personnel from countries including India, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Bangladesh, China and Tanzania. UNMISS includes both military and police personnel from a broad group of contributing nations.
Nepali Army (NA) Spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet said there are no reports of Nepali peacekeepers involved in the incident.
Nepali peacekeepers have served in South Sudan since the UN’s peacekeeping presence there, with Nepal among the countries contributing military personnel to UNMISS. Their responsibilities include conducting patrols, supporting civilian protection and assessing security and humanitarian needs in difficult and often remote areas.
*Additional details have been added in this news originally filed by AFP.
