Two UN peacekeepers killed in ambush while patrolling in South Sudan

Two United Nations peacekeepers have been killed after their patrol was ambushed while travelling towards Jonglei in South Sudan.

“The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) strongly condemns today’s ambush on a patrol heading to Pajut, Jonglei State, carried out by unidentified armed men. Two peacekeepers were killed in the attack, while seven others, including three peacekeepers, were wounded,” according to a UNMISS statement on platform X on Monday (24/8).

The fallen officers were from Ethiopia, it said, adding that two members of the South Sudan Police and two civilian staff were also injured.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the attack.

“We are working to obtain further information. This was part of a routine patrol carried out by the UN to help address the still unstable security situation in the region,” said Spokesman Stephane Dujarric at a press conference discussing the incident.

Dujarric added that, based on information gathered so far, the attack appeared to have been targeted.

Sudan has been gripped by fierce fighting between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese armed forces since spring 2023.

The Sudanese military succeeded in recapturing the capital Khartoum in 2025.

Rebel groups have intensified their attacks in the southern and western regions, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan.

They also announced the formation of their own government in the areas they control in April 2025. It was also reported that both sides have accused each other of killing civilians.