un-personnel-soldiers-killed-in-south-sudan

At least one United Nations (UN) personnel and several government soldiers were killed on Friday when a UN helicopter came under heavy gunfire in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) confirmed.

 

In a statement issued from Juba, the capital of South Sudan, UNMISS reported that the helicopter was conducting an evacuation mission in Nasir to rescue South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) soldiers.

 

These soldiers had been besieged for four days by the White Army armed group, which has been engaged in violent clashes with the SSPDF since last week.

 

The attack resulted in the death of one crew member, while two others sustained serious injuries. Additionally, several SSPDF soldiers, including an injured general, were killed during the attempted extraction, which UNMISS said had been carried out at the request of all parties involved.

 

UNMISS explained that the evacuation was part of efforts to prevent further violence in Nasir and to de-escalate political tensions following recent clashes between the SSPDF and armed youth groups.

 

These violent confrontations have led to significant casualties and widespread displacement of civilians in the region.

 

Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMISS, expressed deep regret over the killings, particularly as the mission had received assurances of safe passage before undertaking the operation.

 

UNMISS has called for a thorough investigation to identify and hold those responsible accountable. The mission also urged all parties involved to refrain from further violence and to engage in dialogue to prevent a worsening of security conditions in Nasir and beyond.

 

“It is vital that all parties uphold their commitments to the ceasefire and protect the integrity of the Revitalised Peace Agreement,” UNMISS stated.

 

Clashes first erupted in Nasir on 3 March between the SSPDF and the local Nuer White Army militia, leading to the withdrawal of government forces from the town.

 

The unrest has also prompted the arrest of several senior army officers in Juba, who were reportedly loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition, led by First Vice President Riek Machar.