The United Nations on Monday strongly condemned an ambush in South Sudan’s Jonglei State that killed two Ethiopian peacekeepers and left seven other people injured.
“The Secretary-General strongly condemns this attack in no uncertain terms,” UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters.
The two peacekeepers killed in the attack were Ethiopian nationals. Seven others were wounded, including three UN peacekeepers, two South Sudanese police officers and two civilian staff members.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed condolences to the families of those killed and to the government and people of Ethiopia, while wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
Dujarric said armed gunmen attacked the UN unit while it was conducting a routine patrol aimed at addressing insecurity in the area. Although responsibility for the attack has not been established, preliminary information suggested the peacekeepers may have been deliberately targeted.
The latest deaths bring the number of UN peacekeepers killed in “malicious acts” since the beginning of the year to nine, according to the UN.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) deployed a quick reaction force to secure the area and assist with the emergency response.
Dujarric warned that deliberate attacks against UN personnel may constitute war crimes under international law.
UNMISS chief Anita Kiki Gbeho called for a prompt investigation and for those responsible to be held accountable.
“Such deadly violence targeting UNMISS personnel who are serving to support peace in South Sudan is unacceptable,” she said.