UN Mission in South Sudan condemns attack on its patrol in Jonglei State

Washington, Aug 24 (KUNA) -- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) strongly condemned on Monday an ambush carried out by unidentified gunmen against its patrol heading to Bagat in Jonglei State, which resulted in the death and injury of several mission personnel and national police officers.

In a statement, the UN mission said it had deployed a rapid reaction force to secure the area and support emergency response following the attack, which killed two UN peacekeepers and injured seven others.

Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Anita Gbah, stated in the statement that “this lethal violence targeting mission personnel who are serving to support peace in South Sudan is unacceptable.”

The mission noted that attacks on UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law, including international humanitarian law.

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General called on the relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive and prompt investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. (End) A.M.M. / N.S.A.