One crew member was killed and two injured when a UN helicopter was fired upon in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State during an evacuation. UNMISS condemned the incident, labeling it potentially as a war crime, and called for an investigation. The mission urged the nation’s leaders to seek dialogue to resolve escalating tensions.
On March 7, 2025, a United Nations helicopter was fired at in Upper Nile State, South Sudan, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to two others. The incident occurred during an evacuation operation in Nasir, as reported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The UNMISS stated in a press release that the helicopter was targeted while attempting to extract wounded members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), including an injured general. This extraction was undertaken at the request of all involved parties, highlighting a complex operational context.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, denounced the assault, labeling it “utterly abhorrent and may constitute a war crime.” He underscored the necessity for an investigation into the attack, reinforcing the seriousness of the situation in the region.
In response to the increasing violence in Upper Nile, UNMISS has called upon South Sudan’s leaders to take immediate action, advocating for dialogue to resolve the prevailing tensions. The mission emphasizes that constructive communication is essential to prevent further conflicts.
In summary, the incident involving gunfire at a UN helicopter in Upper Nile State tragically resulted in one fatality and two injuries among the crew. UNMISS condemned the attack and called for an investigation while urging South Sudan’s leadership to engage in dialogue to address escalating tensions. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges in securing peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: al24news.com
