A United Nations helicopter conducting an evacuation operation in Nasir, Upper Nile State, has been attacked, resulting in the death of a crew member and serious injuries to two others.
Additionally, several members of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, SSPDF, were killed during an attempt by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, UNMISS, to extract them from the area. Among the casualties was an injured General, and the evacuation had been carried out at the request of all parties involved.
UNMISS confirmed in a statement that both UN helicopters landed safely in Malakal, Upper Nile State, on Friday. The two injured crew members are in a stable condition and receiving medical care.
The evacuation was part of UNMISS’ efforts to 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 UNMISS 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 Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS.
“We also regret the killing of those we were attempting to extract, particularly when assurances of safe passage had been received. UNMISS urges an investigation to determine those responsible and hold them accountable.”
The mission has called on all parties to refrain from further violence and urged the country’s leaders to intervene urgently to resolve tensions through dialogue and ensure that the security situation in Nasir, and more broadly, does not deteriorate.
NAN reports that the attack comes amid ongoing instability in Upper Nile State, which has faced months of clashes and insecurity. Thousands have been displaced, while humanitarian access remains challenging due to difficult terrain and armed activity.
