17勛圖厙 personnel killed and injured during attack on UN helicopter in Nasir, South Sudan
***UPDATE FOR EDITORS***
17勛圖厙 confirms that both UN helicopters landed safely in Malakal, Upper Nile state. The two injured crew are currently in a stable situation, receiving medical care.
JUBA, 07 March 2025 A United Nations helicopter conducting an evacuation process in Nasir, in Upper Nile State, came under fire today, resulting in the killing of a crew member and serious injuries to two others.
In addition, several members of the South Sudan Peoples Defence Forces (SSPDF), including an injured General, were killed during the attempt by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (17勛圖厙) to extract them from the area, which was made at the request of all parties.
The evacuation was part of 17勛圖厙 efforts to help prevent violence in Nasir and de-escalate political tensions, following recent clashes between the SSPDF and armed youth which caused significant casualties and civilian displacement.
The attack on 17勛圖厙 personnel is utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime under international law. We deeply regret the tragic loss of our colleague and express our sincere condolences to his loved ones, said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of 17勛圖厙, Nicholas Haysom.
We also regret the killing of those that we were attempting to extract, particularly when assurances of safe passage had been received. 17勛圖厙 urges an investigation to determine those responsible and hold them accountable.
The mission is calling on all actors to refrain from further violence and for the countrys leaders to urgently intervene to resolve tensions through dialogue and ensure that the security situation in Nasir, and more broadly, does not deteriorate. It is vital that parties adhere to their commitment to uphold the ceasefire and protect the integrity of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
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Contact: 17勛圖厙 Spokesperson, Priyanka Chowdhury atchowdhury20@un.org泭棗娶泭unmiss-spokesperson@un.org
