An urgent statement from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported distressing developments following an attack on its helicopter.
Tragic Attack on UN Helicopter Leaves Multiple Casualties in South Sudan
Tragic Attack on UN Helicopter Leaves Multiple Casualties in South Sudan
A UN evacuation mission in South Sudan was targeted, resulting in several fatalities and raising alarms about the potential for war crimes.
In a tragic escalation of violence in South Sudan, several individuals have lost their lives after a UN helicopter came under gunfire while attempting to evacuate wounded soldiers. According to UNMISS, one crew member was killed immediately as they sought to assist injured troops, including a general from the South Sudanese army, during an operation in Upper Nile state. This attack, which the UN claims "may constitute a war crime," adds to the tense atmosphere following recent months of conflict in the region.
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir reported that a second helicopter, which managed to take off after the initial assault, subsequently crash-landed, claiming all lives on board. However, UNMISS has conveyed that both of their helicopters landed safely in Malakal. The casualties include a total of 27 South Sudanese soldiers, as confirmed by Information Minister Michael Makuei.
The ongoing hostilities have the potential to unravel the fragile peace agreement that was established in 2018, following years of civil war that erupted in 2013 when divisions between Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar led to widespread violence. The current fighting primarily involves the national army clashing with the White Army, a militia aligned with Machar.
UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom condemned the attack on UN personnel as "utterly abhorrent," expressing deep condolences for the loss of both a colleague and the troops they attempted to rescue, especially after having received assurances of safe passage.
As concerns grow over potential escalation of conflict, which has seen a recent wave of arrests of Machar's allies, President Kiir has called for national calm and reaffirmed his commitment to preventing a return to war. South Sudan, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011, continues to navigate complex security challenges amidst ongoing ethnic and political strife.
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir reported that a second helicopter, which managed to take off after the initial assault, subsequently crash-landed, claiming all lives on board. However, UNMISS has conveyed that both of their helicopters landed safely in Malakal. The casualties include a total of 27 South Sudanese soldiers, as confirmed by Information Minister Michael Makuei.
The ongoing hostilities have the potential to unravel the fragile peace agreement that was established in 2018, following years of civil war that erupted in 2013 when divisions between Kiir and Vice-President Riek Machar led to widespread violence. The current fighting primarily involves the national army clashing with the White Army, a militia aligned with Machar.
UNMISS head Nicholas Haysom condemned the attack on UN personnel as "utterly abhorrent," expressing deep condolences for the loss of both a colleague and the troops they attempted to rescue, especially after having received assurances of safe passage.
As concerns grow over potential escalation of conflict, which has seen a recent wave of arrests of Machar's allies, President Kiir has called for national calm and reaffirmed his commitment to preventing a return to war. South Sudan, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011, continues to navigate complex security challenges amidst ongoing ethnic and political strife.
