UN Personnel and South Sudanese Soldiers Killed in Helicopter Attack During Evacuation Mission
A UN helicopter attack in Nasir County, South Sudan, resulted in the death of one UN personnel and several SSPDF soldiers. The incident occurred during an evacuation mission intended to rescue besieged soldiers. UNMISS called for an investigation and urged all parties to prevent further violence and uphold peace agreements, as tensions escalate in the region due to ongoing conflicts.
On March 7, 2023, a United Nations (UN) helicopter was attacked during an evacuation mission in Nasir County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan, resulting in the deaths of at least one UN personnel and several members of the South Sudan People’s Defence Force (SSPDF). The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was conducting this mission to rescue SSPDF soldiers besieged by the White Army for four days. The incident occurred despite previous assurances of safe passage, raising serious concerns about the conditions on the ground.
The helicopter assault left one crew member dead and two others seriously injured. In addition, numerous SSPDF members, including an injured general, lost their lives during the operation. The UNMISS expressed its commitment to preventing further violence and facilitating dialogue amid rising tensions following clashes between the SSPDF and local armed groups that have resulted in significant violence and civilian displacement.
Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and head of UNMISS, lamented the unfortunate loss of life, emphasizing the urgency for investigations to identify those responsible for the attack. UNMISS urged all parties involved to abstain from further violence and encouraged national leaders to resolve conflicts through dialogue to prevent worsening security conditions.
Tensions escalated in Nasir after clashes erupted on March 3, 2023, between the SSPDF and the local Nuer White Army, prompting the SSPDF’s withdrawal from the area. This unrest has also led to the detention of several senior officers loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition, under the leadership of First Vice President Riek Machar.
The attack on the UN helicopter in South Sudan highlights the precarious security situation and the challenges faced by peacekeeping efforts in the region. The loss of lives among both UN personnel and South Sudanese soldiers underscores the urgency of dialogue and the need for all parties to adhere to ceasefire agreements to stabilize the volatile environment. As unrest continues, the call for accountability and resolution through peaceful means remains critical to avoiding further deterioration of security in the area.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
