Two United Nations peacekeepers from Ethiopia have been killed after unidentified armed men ambushed a UN patrol in Jonglei state, South Sudan, according to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Seven other people were injured in the attack.
The patrol was traveling toward Pajut, a remote area in Jonglei, when it came under attack. Those injured included three UN peacekeepers, two members of the South Sudan National Police Service and two civilian staff working with the UN mission.
UNMISS said it deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and support the emergency response. Mission head Anita Kiki Gbeho condemned the attack, saying violence against personnel working to support peace in South Sudan was unacceptable.
UN officials have called for a prompt and thorough investigation to identify those responsible. UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said attacks against UN peacekeepers could constitute war crimes under international law.
The attack comes as insecurity continues to worsen in parts of South Sudan. Fighting involving government forces and armed groups loyal to opposition leader Riek Machar has raised fears that the country could slide back into full-scale civil war.
The situation has also become increasingly dangerous for humanitarian workers. UN figures show that more than 450 incidents targeting humanitarian workers and assets were recorded between January and July 2026, more than twice the number reported during the same period last year.
The latest killings bring the number of UN peacekeepers killed in malicious acts worldwide since January to nine, according to the UN.
The ambush underscores the growing security challenges facing the international peacekeeping mission as South Sudan struggles to preserve a fragile peace agreement and prevent renewed large-scale conflict.
Swifteradio.com
