Seven others were wounded when unidentified gunmen attacked a UN patrol in Jonglei state, prompting an emergency security response.
Jonglei State, South Sudan (Running Africa) — Two United Nations peacekeepers have been killed and seven people wounded after unidentified gunmen attacked a patrol in South Sudan’s Jonglei State, highlighting persistent insecurity in parts of the conflict-affected country.
The patrol was travelling towards Pajut when armed men opened fire, according to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Among those wounded were three UN peacekeepers, two members of the South Sudan National Police Service and two civilian staff members.
A UN Quick Reaction Force was deployed following the attack to secure the area, assist with evacuations and support the emergency response.
UN Peacekeepers Killed in Jonglei State Attack
UNMISS said its personnel were carrying out a patrol towards Pajut when they came under attack from unidentified armed men.
Two peacekeepers were killed in the assault, while three others were wounded.
Four additional people — two South Sudanese police officers and two civilian staff members — were also injured, bringing the total number of wounded to seven.
The identities and nationalities of the peacekeepers have not been disclosed.
It was also not immediately clear which armed group, if any, was responsible for the attack.
UN Quick Reaction Force Deployed After Attack
Following the shooting, UNMISS deployed a Quick Reaction Force to the area to reinforce security and support the evacuation of casualties.
The deployment was also intended to secure the scene as authorities and the UN work to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
UNMISS has called for a swift investigation and urged South Sudanese authorities to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
The mission said it would continue operating despite the deadly assault.
UNMISS Warns Attack on Peacekeepers Could Be War Crime
The UN mission strongly condemned the killing of its personnel, warning that deliberately targeting peacekeepers can constitute a war crime under international law.
UN peacekeepers operate under difficult conditions across South Sudan, often travelling through areas where state authority is limited and armed groups remain active.
Their work includes protecting civilians, monitoring security conditions and maintaining a presence in communities vulnerable to violence.
Attacks on peacekeeping personnel can further complicate those operations by limiting access to communities already facing serious security threats.
Jonglei Remains Vulnerable to Armed Violence
Jonglei has long been among South Sudan’s most volatile regions, experiencing violence linked to armed groups, communal disputes and political tensions.
Competition over land and resources, cycles of retaliatory attacks and the proliferation of weapons have contributed to instability in parts of the state.
Peacekeepers regularly patrol vulnerable areas as part of efforts to deter violence and protect civilians.
The latest attack demonstrates the risks faced by both international personnel and South Sudanese security officials working in these communities.
South Sudan Continues to Face Security Challenges
South Sudan has struggled with instability since gaining independence in 2011, including a devastating civil war and recurring local conflicts.
Although a peace agreement reduced large-scale fighting between major political factions, violence continues in several parts of the country.
UNMISS remains one of the international community’s most important mechanisms for civilian protection and monitoring security developments.
The mission said the attack in Jonglei would not stop its peacekeeping operations, while calling for stronger protection for personnel working in high-risk areas.
With two peacekeepers dead and seven others wounded, the focus now turns to identifying those behind the assault and determining whether the attack was deliberately directed at the UN patrol.
