A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, killing a crew member and injuring two others. The assault also claimed the lives of over 20 South Sudanese military personnel during an evacuation operation. UNMISS condemned the attack, emphasizing its potential classification as a war crime, and called for investigation and accountability. The incident reflects the ongoing tensions and instability in Upper Nile State, where humanitarian access remains a challenge.
A United Nations helicopter, engaged in evacuating injured South Sudanese soldiers, was attacked in Nasir, Upper Nile State, on Friday. This assault resulted in the death of one crew member and injuries to two others. Reports indicate that over two dozen South Sudanese military members, including an injured General, were also killed during the incident, although the helicopter managed to land safely afterwards.
The extraction operation was initiated at the request of signatories to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, which aims to end the civil conflict in South Sudan. This mission is part of UNMISS’s broader strategy to mitigate violence and ease political tensions in Nasir, especially following violent clashes between government forces and armed youth that resulted in numerous casualties and civilian displacements.
Nicholas Haysom, Head of UNMISS, condemned the attack, stating that it may constitute a war crime under international law. He expressed profound sorrow over the fatalities, particularly the deaths of military evacuees, emphasizing that assurances of safe passage had been previously promised. Haysom urged for a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for this incident.
UNMISS reiterated calls for all involved parties to cease hostilities and appealed to political leaders for urgent dialogue to resolve ongoing tensions, aiming to prevent further deterioration of the security situation in Nasir and surrounding areas. They stressed the importance of maintaining commitments to uphold the ceasefire and the integrity of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
The attack exacerbates existing tensions in Upper Nile State, which has witnessed months of violence and instability, leading to the displacement of thousands. The region’s humanitarian access remains hampered by challenging terrain and ongoing armed conflicts, with recent violent clashes resulting in casualties among both civilians and combatants. An UNMISS patrol was also targeted during these conflicts, injuring a peacekeeper from mortar shelling.
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing instability in South Sudan and the critical need for accountability and resolution through dialogue. The attack on the UN helicopter underscores the dire consequences of the ongoing conflict and the importance of adhering to peace agreements to ensure safety and security for all parties involved.
Original Source: news.un.org
