A United Nations helicopter conducting an evacuation mission in Nasir, Upper Nile State, came under attack today, resulting in the death of a crew member and serious injuries to two others.
The helicopter was assisting in the extraction of South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) personnel, including an injured General, when it was fired upon. Several SSPDF members, including the General, were killed during the mission, which had been requested by all involved parties.
The evacuation was part of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan’s (UNMISS) efforts to reduce violence and ease political tensions in Nasir, following deadly clashes between the SSPDF and armed youth that led to significant casualties and civilian displacement.
Condemning the attack, Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, described it as “utterly abhorrent” and warned that it may constitute a war crime under international law.
“We deeply mourn the loss of our colleague and extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones,” Haysom stated. “We also regret the deaths of those we were trying to extract, particularly given that safe passage had been assured. UNMISS calls for a full investigation to hold those responsible accountable.”
The mission has urged all parties to avoid further violence and called on South Sudan’s leaders to take immediate steps to defuse tensions through dialogue. UNMISS stressed the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and safeguarding the Revitalized Peace Agreement to prevent further deterioration of security in Nasir and the wider region.