Two Ethiopian UN Peacekeepers Killed In South Sudan Ambush, Seven Others Injured

Two United Nations peacekeepers from Ethiopia were killed and seven other people were injured after a UN patrol was ambushed in South Sudan’s Jonglei State on Monday, the United Nations said. The attack was carried out by unidentified gunmen and appeared to deliberately target the patrol, according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity in the region and the risks faced by personnel working to maintain stability. Dujarric said three other UN peacekeepers were among those injured in the attack.

Two South Sudanese police officers and two civilian staff members also sustained injuries, bringing the total number of people affected by the ambush to nine. The identities of those killed and injured were not immediately disclosed beyond the information that the two deceased peacekeepers were Ethiopian nationals serving with the United Nations. The patrol was part of regular UN operations in the area, where peacekeeping personnel have been working amid continuing insecurity. Dujarric said the patrols are intended to help address persistent security problems and support efforts to protect communities affected by instability.

The deliberate targeting of a UN patrol highlights the dangers confronting peacekeepers and other personnel operating in areas where armed violence remains a serious threat. The United Nations has called on the relevant authorities in South Sudan to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation into the attack. Dujarric said those responsible must be identified and brought to justice. He also stressed the seriousness of attacks against UN personnel, warning that such acts may constitute war crimes under international law.

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The latest incident has also increased the number of UN peacekeepers killed in malicious acts worldwide this year. According to Dujarric, nine peacekeepers have now died in such attacks since January 1. The deaths underline the continuing risks faced by UN personnel deployed in conflict and unstable environments, where regular patrols and humanitarian or security operations can expose them to armed groups and unidentified attackers.

Jonglei State has faced persistent insecurity and episodes of violence, making regular security patrols an important part of international efforts to protect civilians and support stability. The circumstances surrounding Monday’s ambush, including the identity and motive of the attackers, remained unclear. The UN's call for an investigation is expected to focus on establishing how the patrol was targeted and identifying those responsible.

The attack has renewed calls for greater protection of UN personnel operating in South Sudan. Peacekeepers are deployed to help maintain security and support civilian protection efforts, but their work can expose them to significant risks in areas affected by armed conflict and communal violence. The United Nations said accountability would be essential following the latest incident, particularly given the potential classification of deliberate attacks on peacekeepers as war crimes under international law.

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