Gunfire Incident In South Sudan: UN Helicopter Attacked, One Dead

A UN helicopter in Upper Nile State, South Sudan, was attacked, resulting in one death and two injuries among the crew. The UN mission condemned the attack as potentially criminal and called for an investigation. Following escalating tensions, the UN urged the country’s leaders to engage in dialogue to resolve disputes.

On March 7, 2025, a United Nations helicopter was targeted by gunfire in Upper Nile State, northeastern South Sudan, leading to one crew member’s death and two others sustaining injuries, as confirmed by the UN mission.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) stated in a press release that the helicopter was engaged in an evacuation operation when it came under fire. This attack resulted in fatalities among members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), including an injured general, amidst UNMISS’s extraction efforts.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, denounced the assault, labeling it as “utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime.” Additionally, UNMISS has called for a thorough investigation into this serious incident. With tensions escalating in Upper Nile, the UN mission is urging South Sudan’s leaders to intervene and resolve the situation through dialogue.

The tragic incident involving the UN helicopter underscores the precarious security situation in Upper Nile State, with fatal consequences for both the UN crew and members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces. The condemnation by Nicholas Haysom illustrates the seriousness of the attack, which raises questions of potential war crimes. The UN’s urgent appeal for dialogue highlights the need for immediate action from South Sudan’s leadership to avert further violence.

Original Source: al24news.com