Juba, Aug 25 (V7N)- Two United Nations peacekeepers were killed and seven others injured after a patrol team came under attack in South Sudan's Jonglei state on Monday.
The peacekeepers were travelling toward the Pajut area when unidentified gunmen reportedly ambushed the patrol team.
According to UN officials, the attack was deliberate and carried out by unidentified armed assailants. Two of the peacekeepers killed and three of those injured were Ethiopian nationals.
UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the peacekeeping team was conducting a routine patrol in the area when it was targeted.
The United Nations has called for a prompt and impartial investigation into the incident and demanded that those responsible be identified and brought to justice.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said at least 36 humanitarian workers have been killed in the country since January this year.
With the latest incident, the number of UN peacekeepers killed in South Sudan this year has risen to nine.
The attack highlights the continuing security risks faced by UN personnel and humanitarian workers operating in conflict-affected parts of South Sudan.
END/SMA/AJ
