UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned in the strongest possible terms Monday's ambush by unidentified armed individuals on a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) joint patrol in Jonglei State, South Sudan.
In the aftermath of the attack, UNMISS deployed a quick reaction force by road and evacuated the injured by air.
Two Ethiopian peacekeepers were killed. Seven others were injured, including three Ethiopian peacekeepers, two UNMISS civilian staff and two South Sudan National Police Service personnel. All are receiving the medical attention they need and are currently stable.
"I'm deeply saddened by the death of two Ethiopian peacekeepers. My heartfelt condolences to their families and the Government of Ethiopia. I wish all those injured a swift and full recovery," said UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix.
Mr. Lacroix also echoed the Secretary-General's condemnation of the attack. The Secretary-General expressed his deep condolences to the families of those killed and to their respective Governments.
The Secretary-General stressed that attacks against United Nations peacekeepers may constitute war crimes. All attacks on peacekeepers must be promptly investigated, and those responsible must be effectively prosecuted and held accountable.
The Secretary-General reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to stand with the victims and their families during this profoundly difficult time.
