Two UN peacekeepers killed in South Sudan ambush
Two UN peacekeepers have been killed and a total of seven people injured after unidentified gunmen ambushed a patrol in South Sudan’s eastern Jonglei state on Monday. The patrol by the peacekeeping mission in the country, UNMISS , was attacked on the way to Pajut, a remote area in the eastern region. Following the incident, the Mission immediately sent a quick reaction force to secure the area a
Source: United Nations News · August 24, 2026 at 7:30 PM · AI-assisted report
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KUALA LUMPUR, 25 AUGUST 2026 —
Two UN Peacekeepers Killed in Ambush in South Sudan; Malaysia Condemns Attack
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KUALA LUMPUR — Two United Nations peacekeepers were killed and seven others injured on Monday after unidentified gunmen ambushed a UN patrol in South Sudan’s eastern Jonglei state. The attack occurred as the UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) team traveled to Pajut, a remote area in the region. A quick reaction force was deployed to secure the area and assist in emergency response.
The seven injured included three peacekeepers, two members of the South Sudan National Police Service, and two civilian staff. UNMISS chief Anita Kiki Gbeho condemned the violence, stating that “such deadly violence targeting UNMISS personnel who are serving to support peace in South Sudan is unacceptable.” She urged authorities to conduct a thorough and prompt investigation to bring those responsible to justice. Under international law, attacks on UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes.
Renewed violence in South Sudan has intensified pressure on the country’s fragile peace process. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011 following decades of civil war, but internal conflict erupted just two years later due to a political dispute between President Salva Kiir and former Vice President Riek Machar. UNMISS was established in 2011 to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian access, monitor human rights violations, and support the peace process and political transition.
South Sudan remains one of the most dangerous environments for aid workers, according to UN agencies. Since January, at least 36 humanitarian workers have been killed, exceeding the 31 fatalities recorded in all of 2025. The UN Spokesperson reiterated that attacks on humanitarian workers violate international humanitarian law and are unacceptable.
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Outlook
The attack underscores the persistent security challenges facing UN peacekeeping operations in South Sudan. With the peace process already under strain, further violence risks undermining stability and humanitarian efforts in the region. The international community’s response, including investigations and accountability measures, will be critical in determining the trajectory of peace and security in South Sudan.