- A horrible attack on the UN helicopter in South Sudan resulted in the death of UN staff, General and several soldiers
- The helicopter was trying to evacuate South Sudanese troops in Nasir, Upper Nile province, when the attack took place
- President Salva Kiir addressed the Nation confirming the deaths and urging the country to be calm
Juba – A fatal attack took place in the Upper Nile province of South Sudan, on Friday, March 7, and plunged the nation into a state of unconsciousness.
A UN labor member, a military general among several people killed in an attack on a rescue chopper
Source: Getty Images
The United Nations helicopter, sent in a human delegation to evacuate South Sudanese troops from Northern Nasir, was attacked and caused the deaths of several people.
Among those who lost their lives are a UN staff member, the General of the South Sudanese army, and more than 22 soldiers.
The helicopter, run by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), was trying to evacuate government troops following fierce confrontation between the South Sudanese People's Defense Force (SSPDF) and White Army militants, a group linked to the first vice -president Riek Machar.
According to reports, a transfer message was launched at the request of conflicting parties, including the Kiir government and Machar -linked groups, as part of UNMISS's broader efforts to reduce political tension and prevent more bloodshed.
The helicopter was reportedly receiving a safe pass verification, making the attack more shocking. Although it is still unclear whether the tunnel was in the air or on the ground, when the White militants have been linked to the attack.
Addressing reporters in Juba on Friday evening, government information minister and spokesman Michael Makuei Lueth said the total number of deaths in the SSPDF is still unknown but confirmed that almost 27 soldiers, along with General, lost their lives during Nasir earlier that morning.
The death of UN workers signaled a negative move for UNMISS, which has almost 20,000 peacekeepers from 73 countries sent across South Sudan to help peace and stability since the nation's independence in 2011. Two other UN workers were seriously injured but survived.
What did the UN say about the attack on the South Sudanese helicopter?
Nicholas Haysom, head of UNMISS, condemned the attack as “Absolutely disgusting,” warning that “could be war crimes under international law.”
He called for urgent investigations to identify and hold responsibility for the parties, emphasizing the mission of the loss of life despite the previous guarantee.
“We are also sorry to be killed by those we were trying to release, especially when safe route was received. He said.
Following the tragedy, the president of South Sudan addressed the nation on Friday afternoon, confirming the deaths of General Dak and the military. He revealed that Machar had assured him personally and the UN representative that the transfer would continue without an event.
“This morning, two UN aircraft flew to Nassau, with the General and the officials. They came under a fiery fire. Kiir said, as quoted by South Sudan Radio's Sudanese media.
Kiir vowed not to allow the country to return to civil war, calling for stability with increasing tensions.
“I ask you to be calm,” his statement said. “The government I lead will address this conflict and we will remain firm in the path of peace,” he added.
His words came following a dispute between him and Machar, whose allies, including senior officials such as the Minister of Petroleum and the deputy chief of the army, were recently arrested by Kiir forces.
The 2018 peace agreement, which established a coalition government between Kiir and Machar, has been in a difficult situation, delayed by uniting military forces and organizing the elections scheduled for 2026.
Source: Getty Images
Flight crash kills 20 people in South Sudan
In an related story, about 20 people lost their lives in a fatal plane crash in South Sudan on the morning of January 29, and only one person survived the 21 passengers inside.
According to Unity Gatwech Bipal State Information Minister, the small plane, which was transporting oil workers to Juba, crashed near Unity Airport.
Earlier reports stated that 18 people lost their lives, but two rescuers later died, while the source of the accident was not yet known.
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