A UN helicopter was shot at in Upper Nile State, South Sudan, resulting in one death and two injuries among the crew. The UNMISS head condemned the attack and stated it may constitute a war crime, urging immediate dialogue to resolve escalating tensions.

On March 7, 2025, a United Nations helicopter in Upper Nile State, South Sudan, came under gunfire, leading to the death of one crew member and injuries to two others. This incident occurred during an evacuation process in the region, as reported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The UNMISS press release stated, “A United Nations helicopter conducting an evacuation process in Nasir…came under fire today, resulting in the killing of a crew member and serious injuries to two others.” The situation was further complicated by reports that several members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) lost their lives during the extraction efforts, including an injured general.

The operation to extract the injured personnel was said to be conducted at the request of all involved parties. The head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, publicly condemned the attack, labeling it as “utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime.” He has since called for a thorough investigation into the incident.

Considering the rising tensions in Upper Nile State, UNMISS has urged the leaders of South Sudan to immediately engage in dialogue to address and resolve these escalating issues.

This tragic incident underscores the ongoing violence and instability in South Sudan, necessitating urgent intervention from national leaders. The international community is called upon to investigate the attack on the UN helicopter, which could be deemed a war crime. Ongoing dialogue remains critical for peace and resolution in the region.

Original Source: al24news.com