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South Sudan: UN mission deplores latest round of deadly violence in Jonglei state

UN peacekeepers on duty in Jonglei state, South Sudan.
UNMISS
UN peacekeepers on duty in Jonglei state, South Sudan.

South Sudan: UN mission deplores latest round of deadly violence in Jonglei state

The United Nations has strongly condemned yesterday’s deadly attacks in South Sudan’s Jonglei state that resulted in many deaths and injuries.

One attack was on Paliau cattle camp in Ajong Payam, and the other was in Maar cattle camp in Pakeer Payam, with subsequent attacks in a couple of other locations in Twic East County, according to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

“UNMISS wishes to convey its deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of those who lost their lives during the attacks,” said the Mission.

As soon as the fighting stopped, the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) flew health partners to the affected areas to evacuate casualties.

By the end of the day, UNHAS had evacuated a total of 31 seriously wounded civilians to Bor and Juba. This morning, UNHAS dispatched a helicopter to continue the medical evacuations.

In addition, UNMISS launched aerial reconnaissance yesterday to determine the scale of the attacks and check on the movement of the attackers.

Today the Mission flew in a team of investigators from its police, human rights, civil affairs and human rights components, along with counterparts from the national police force to probe the attacks, ascertain the identity of the attackers, and determine the accurate number of casualties.

UNMISS said it will work closely with the South Sudanese authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are held to account, and to find ways to enhance protection for vulnerable communities.

According to media reports, over 40 people were killed and more than 60 wounded in yesterday’s attacks in Jonglei, which has been the scene of inter-communal violence that has uprooted tens of thousands of people.