UN Staff Killed in South Sudan Helicopter Attack

A crew member in a United Nations (UN) helicopter died while two others sustained serious injuries when the chopper came under fire today in Nasir, Upper Nile State in South Sudan.

The attack also claimed the lives of several South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) personnel, including an injured General who was being extracted.

The helicopter, operated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), was carrying out an evacuation at the request of all parties in an attempt to de-escalate tensions following recent clashes between the SSPDF and armed youth.

The ongoing violence has led to significant casualties and mass displacement of civilians in the region.

Describing the attack as “abhorrent” and a possible war crime under international law, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS, Nicholas Haysom, condemned the act and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life.

“We deeply regret the tragic loss of our colleague and express our sincere condolences to his loved ones,” Haysom stated. “We also regret the killing of those that we were attempting to extract, particularly when assurances of safe passage had been received. UNMISS urges an investigation to determine those responsible and hold them accountable.”

The mission reiterated its calls for all parties to refrain from further violence and for South Sudan’s leadership to urgently intervene through dialogue to prevent further escalation.

The attack on the UN helicopter comes at a critical time when South Sudan is experiencing heightened political and military tensions.