A UN helicopter in South Sudan was attacked while evacuating wounded soldiers, resulting in casualties among crew members and military personnel. UNMISS condemned the attack, calling for accountability and political dialogue to prevent further violence. The incident highlights ongoing instability in Upper Nile State, where humanitarian access is restricted by conflict.
On Friday, a UN helicopter involved in the evacuation of wounded South Sudanese soldiers was attacked in Nasir, Upper Nile State, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to two others. Reports indicate that over two dozen South Sudanese military personnel, including a wounded General, lost their lives in the incident. Fortunately, the helicopter managed to land safely despite the attack.
This extraction mission was conducted at the behest of the signatories of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, which aims to bring an end to civil strife in South Sudan. The helicopter’s operation was a part of UNMISS’s (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) broader strategy to mitigate violence and ease political strife following recent altercations between government troops and armed youth, which have caused significant casualties and displacement.
Nicholas Haysom, Head of UNMISS, condemned the attack, describing it as “utterly abhorrent” and suggesting it might qualify as a war crime under international law. He expressed sorrow over the loss of UNMISS personnel and military evacuees, particularly in light of previously received safe passage assurances. Haysom urged for a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible for the attack.
UNMISS reiterated the importance of all parties avoiding further violence and for political leaders to engage in constructive dialogue to defuse tensions, emphasizing the need to maintain the integrity of the 2018 ceasefire and the Revitalized Peace Agreement. The mission stressed that commitment to these principles is critical for stability in the region.
The attack underscores the ongoing instability in Upper Nile State, which has seen persistent clashes. Thousands of individuals have been displaced, and humanitarian access is severely hampered by both challenging terrain and security threats from armed groups. Furthermore, violent confrontations in Nasir have led to significant civilian and combatant casualties, with UNMISS patrols also coming under attack, resulting in injuries to peacekeepers.
The attack on the UN helicopter in South Sudan highlights the urgent need for accountability and a cessation of violence amidst ongoing political tensions. UNMISS emphasizes dialogue and adherence to peace agreements as vital for restoring stability in the region. The situation in Upper Nile State remains precarious, with humanitarian challenges exacerbated by persistent clashes.
Original Source: news.un.org
