Two Ethiopian U.N. peacekeepers died after gunmen ambushed their patrol in South Sudan’s Jonglei State on Monday.
The attack also injured seven other people, according to the United Nations.
Three U.N. peacekeepers suffered injuries in the attack. Two South Sudanese police officers and two civilian staff members also sustained injuries.
U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said unidentified gunmen carried out the attack.
He said the attackers appeared to target the patrol deliberately.
“These are part of regular patrols that the U.N. has been doing in trying to help the constant insecurity in the area,” Dujarric told reporters.
The U.N. conducts regular patrols in parts of Jonglei State. The region continues to face serious security problems.
U.N. Calls for Investigation
The United Nations called on South Sudanese authorities to investigate the attack quickly and thoroughly.
The organization also wants authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Dujarric warned that attacks on U.N. peacekeepers can amount to war crimes under international law.
The latest deaths bring the number of peacekeepers killed in malicious attacks this year to nine, according to the U.N.
Attacks on U.N. personnel remain uncommon in South Sudan. However, peacekeepers often work in areas affected by armed violence and communal conflict.
Jonglei State has experienced clashes involving armed groups, rival communities and government forces. Armed youth mobilization has also contributed to instability in the region.
U.N. Peacekeepers Face Rising Risks
The latest attack adds to growing concerns about the safety of U.N. personnel working in conflict zones.
In June, the U.N. Security Council adopted a resolution calling for stronger accountability for attacks against peacekeepers.
The move came amid concerns about increasing violence against U.N. personnel and low prosecution rates.
South Sudan has also seen previous attacks against peacekeepers.
The U.N. has repeatedly urged authorities to protect its personnel and investigate attacks against them.
The deaths of the two Ethiopian peacekeepers have now renewed those calls.
The United Nations said it will continue monitoring the security situation in Jonglei State as its patrols continue their work.
