A United Nations helicopter on a critical evacuation mission in South Sudan was attacked on Friday, resulting in the death of a crew member and injuries to two others. This assault occurred during an attempt to rescue wounded soldiers, amidst escalating tensions in the region. The U.N. reported that the helicopter came under fire as it was initiating a rescue operation in the troubled Upper Nile State.
U.N. Helicopter Attacked in South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions
U.N. Helicopter Attacked in South Sudan Amid Rising Tensions
A United Nations helicopter was shot down in Upper Nile State while on a humanitarian mission, sparking fears of a renewed civil war in South Sudan.
The crew was in the midst of their mission when gunfire erupted, with reports indicating that members of the armed group known as the White Army were involved in the incident. In the wake of this violence, fears are growing that South Sudan may be on the brink of civil war once again, following a fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and his first vice president, Riek Machar.
In a public address, President Kiir urged restraint among citizens, stating, “Let no one take law into their hands. The government which I lead will handle this crisis.” However, critics have pointed fingers at Kiir and other political leaders, accusing them of exacerbating the current turmoil.
Recent clashes, particularly in Upper Nile State, have raised concerns regarding the stability of the power-sharing agreement that was established to end the civil conflict in 2018. Reports from South Sudan’s information minister indicated that 27 soldiers were killed during the helicopter attack, but specific details around the event remain unverified.
As the political situation continues to destabilize, the international community watches closely, fearing another descent into widespread violence in one of the world’s youngest nations.
In a public address, President Kiir urged restraint among citizens, stating, “Let no one take law into their hands. The government which I lead will handle this crisis.” However, critics have pointed fingers at Kiir and other political leaders, accusing them of exacerbating the current turmoil.
Recent clashes, particularly in Upper Nile State, have raised concerns regarding the stability of the power-sharing agreement that was established to end the civil conflict in 2018. Reports from South Sudan’s information minister indicated that 27 soldiers were killed during the helicopter attack, but specific details around the event remain unverified.
As the political situation continues to destabilize, the international community watches closely, fearing another descent into widespread violence in one of the world’s youngest nations.
