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Two United Nations peacekeepers were killed in an ambush in South Sudan on Monday, the U.N. said, condemning the latest deadly attack targeting foreign personnel in the East African country.
The attack occurred in Jonglei state in eastern South Sudan, an area that has seen recent conflict between government and opposition forces.
The U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said the ambush by “unidentified armed individuals” happened as a patrol was heading to the town of Pajut.
The mission said the attack 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,” UNMISS said in a statement.
U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “strongly condemns this attack in no uncertain terms.”
Dujarric confirmed that the two peacekeepers killed were Ethiopian nationals.
He said Guterres extended his condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers, as well as to the people and government of Ethiopia, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.
UNMISS said it deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and support the emergency response.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, head of UNMISS, called for a prompt investigation to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“Such deadly violence targeting UNMISS personnel who are serving to support peace in South Sudan is unacceptable,” Gbeho said.
“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,” she added.
Dujarric did not specify who was responsible for the attack.
He said the incident brought the number of peacekeepers killed in “malicious acts” since Jan. 1 to nine.
Dujarric also emphasized that attacks on U.N. personnel may constitute war crimes under international law.
South Sudan, one of the world’s poorest countries, has seen worsening instability in recent months as the government attempts to hold the country’s first-ever elections in December.
UNMISS said earlier this month that 36 humanitarian workers had been killed so far this year.
South Sudan gained independence in 2011 but soon descended into civil war.
A power-sharing deal ended the conflict in 2018, but the arrangement has frayed in recent months.
President Salva Kiir’s longtime rival, Riek Machar, was jailed last year and removed from his position as vice president.
A U.N.-appointed Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan warned last week that elections under current conditions could fuel “renewed conflict” and “atrocity crimes.”
The commission said the country was “at one of its most dangerous points,” citing a “worsening political, security, humanitarian and human rights situation.”
South Sudan also faces major aid cuts, with the U.N. warning that food assistance to refugees and displaced people could end within weeks because of a lack of funding.
Overall, 7.8 million people face acute food insecurity in South Sudan, while 2.2 million children are acutely malnourished.
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