UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “strongly condemns this attack in no uncertain terms,” his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told reporters on Monday, Anadolu Agency reported.
The two peacekeepers killed in the attack were Ethiopian nationals, Dujarric said.
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Seven other people were injured, including three additional UN peacekeepers, two South Sudanese police officers and two civilian staff members.
Guterres offered his condolences to the families of the two peacekeepers and to the people and government of Ethiopia. He also wished those injured a speedy recovery.
The UN did not identify those responsible for the attack. Dujarric said, however, that “armed gunmen” targeted the unit while it was carrying out a routine patrol aimed at addressing local security concerns.
Asked whether the attack appeared to be deliberate, Dujarric said available information suggested that the peacekeepers had been intentionally targeted.
The incident brings the number of UN peacekeepers killed in “malicious acts” since January 1 to nine, according to the UN.
A quick reaction force was deployed by the UN mission in South Sudan to secure the area and support the emergency response.
Dujarric warned that attacks against UN personnel could constitute war crimes under international law.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), called for a swift investigation into the attack and urged authorities to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“Such deadly violence targeting UNMISS personnel who are serving to support peace in South Sudan is unacceptable,” Gbeho said.
