A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, killing one crew member and injuring two. The incident also resulted in more than two dozen deaths among South Sudanese military personnel. The operation aimed to evacuate wounded soldiers amidst ongoing violence in Upper Nile State. UNMISS condemned the attack, calling for accountability and dialogue to resolve conflicts.
A United Nations helicopter, tasked with evacuating wounded South Sudanese soldiers, was assaulted in Upper Nile State on Friday. This deplorable act resulted in the death of one crew member and injuries to two others. Additionally, reports indicate that more than two dozen members of the South Sudanese military, including an injured General, lost their lives during the attack. Fortunately, the helicopter managed to land safely despite the hostile fire.
The evacuation operation was conducted following a request from the signatories of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, aimed at quelling the civil war in South Sudan. UNMISS, through this action, sought to mitigate violence and reduce political tensions exacerbated by recent confrontations between government troops of the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) and armed youth, which resulted in significant casualties and civilian displacement.
Nicholas Haysom, the Head of UNMISS, condemned the assault, calling it “utterly abhorrent” and potentially qualifying as a war crime under international law. He conveyed profound sorrow over the loss of UNMISS personnel and the fatalities among the military evacuees, emphasizing that assurances of safe passage had been provided. Haysom urged for a thorough investigation to hold those accountable for the attack.
UNMISS also appealed for all involved parties to cease further violence and for political leaders to engage in urgent dialogue to resolve existing tensions. The Mission underscored the necessity for adherence to ceasefire commitments and preserving the integrity of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, critical to stabilizing Nasir and surrounding regions.
This incident highlights the prevailing unrest in Upper Nile State, characterized by months of conflict and uncertainty. Humanitarian access remains severely challenged owing to difficult terrain and ongoing armed confrontations. Subsequent to clashes on February 14 between the SSPDF and armed youth, heavy weaponry was employed, causing casualties among combatants and civilians alike. An UNMISS patrol also encountered danger during these disturbances, with one peacekeeper injured from mortar shelling.
In summation, the recent attack on a UN helicopter in South Sudan underscores the perilous security landscape in the region, exacerbated by ongoing political and military tensions. Urgent calls for accountability, adherence to the Revitalized Peace Agreement, and the need for dialogue among political leaders are paramount to mitigate further violence and restore stability. The ongoing humanitarian crisis necessitates immediate action to ensure the safety and security of civilians and peacekeeping personnel.
Original Source: news.un.org
