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.
In a statement released Monday evening by his spokesperson, the Secretary-General reiterated that attacks against peacekeepers “may constitute war crimes.” He called for a prompt and thorough investigation and for those responsible to be prosecuted and held accountable for their actions.
The Secretary-General reaffirmed the United Nations' commitment to stand with the victims and their families during this profoundly difficult time.
