A UN helicopter in Upper Nile State, South Sudan, was fired upon, resulting in one death and two injuries. The attack occurred during a requested evacuation effort, which also resulted in the deaths of several members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces. UNMISS has condemned the assault and called for an investigation and dialogue among the country’s leaders to address escalating tensions.

On March 7, 2025, a United Nations helicopter in Upper Nile State, South Sudan, was attacked, resulting in one fatality and two injuries among the crew. This incident occurred during an evacuation operation in Nasir, as reported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). A press release indicated the helicopter was targeted and a crew member was killed while two others sustained serious injuries.

Furthermore, UNMISS confirmed that several individuals from the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), including an injured general, died during efforts to extract them from the area. The operation was conducted at the request of all involved parties, highlighting the complex situation on the ground.

Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, condemned the attack, deeming it “utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime.” In response, UNMISS has called for a thorough investigation into the incident. Given the rising tensions in Upper Nile, the mission urges the country’s leadership to engage in dialogue to resolve the ongoing conflict.

The recent attack on the UN helicopter in South Sudan underscores the perilous conditions faced by peacekeeping missions. The fatality and injuries among crew members highlight the ongoing violence in the region, prompting UNMISS’s calls for accountability and dialogue among conflicting parties. The condemnation of the attack by UNMISS leadership sheds light on the international community’s concerns regarding such incidents, emphasizing the need for urgent resolution to tensions.

Original Source: al24news.com