A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan while evacuating wounded soldiers, resulting in multiple deaths among military personnel and UN staff. UNMISS condemned the incident, calling it abhorrent and potentially a war crime, and urged all parties to cease violence and uphold peace commitments.
A United Nations helicopter was attacked on Friday while attempting to evacuate wounded South Sudanese soldiers in Upper Nile State. The assault resulted in the death of a crew member and injuries to two others. Reports indicate that over two dozen South Sudanese military personnel, including an injured General, also lost their lives during this incident in Nasir, although the helicopter managed to land safely after the attack.
The helicopter operation was initiated at the request of the signatories to the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, which aims to conclude the civil war in South Sudan. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has emphasized that this action is part of its broader initiative to curb violence and alleviate political tensions following recent clashes between government forces and armed youth, resulting in significant casualties and displacement within the civilian population.
Nicholas Haysom, the Head of UNMISS, condemned the attack as “utterly abhorrent” and asserted that it might be classified as a war crime under international law. He conveyed his profound regret over the fatalities of UNMISS personnel and the military evacuees, particularly noting that assurances of safe passage had been provided prior to the mission.
UNMISS urged all parties involved to refrain from further violence and emphasized the critical need for political leaders to engage in dialogue to resolve ongoing tensions. The Mission reiterated the importance of maintaining the integrity of the ceasefire and the commitments enshrined in the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
This assault occurs amid persisting instability in Upper Nile State, characterized by months of violence and insecurity. Such conditions have led to the displacement of thousands and hindered humanitarian access due to challenging terrain and ongoing armed clashes. Recent fighting in Nasir, which began on February 14 between the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF) and armed youth, utilized heavy weaponry and resulted in fatalities for both combatants and civilians alike. An UNMISS patrol also faced attack during this turmoil, with one peacekeeper sustaining injuries from mortar shelling.
In summary, the attack on the UN helicopter in South Sudan highlights the escalating violence and instability in Upper Nile State. The incident, which resulted in multiple fatalities, underscores the urgent need for dialogue and adherence to peace agreements among all parties involved. UNMISS remains committed to monitoring the situation and calls for accountability for the perpetrators of this attack, thereby emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and security in the region.
Original Source: news.un.org
