Two UN Peacekeepers Killed in Ambush in South Sudan’s Jonglei State
JUBA, South Sudan — August 24, 2026 — Two United Nations peacekeepers from Ethiopia were killed and seven others injured when unidentified gunmen ambushed a patrol in South Sudan’s volatile Jonglei state on Monday, August 24, the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) confirmed .
The attack occurred as the patrol was travelling to the remote town of Pajut in the eastern state of Jonglei, an area that has been a focus of recent conflict between government forces and opposition militias loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar .
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Attack Details and Casualties
UNMISS stated that the ambush by “unidentified armed individuals” resulted in the deaths of two Ethiopian peacekeepers. Seven others were wounded, including three additional peacekeepers, two members of the South Sudan National Police Service, and two civilian staff members .
UNMISS head Anita Kiki Gbeho condemned the violence, stating: “Such deadly violence targeting UNMISS personnel who are serving to support peace in South Sudan is unacceptable” . She extended her condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers and called for a prompt investigation to bring those responsible to justice .
A UN “Quick Reaction Force” has been deployed to secure the area and support the emergency response .
Escalating Violence and Growing Danger for Peacekeepers
The attack brings the total number of peacekeepers killed by militias in South Sudan to nine since January 1, according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric . The UN has stressed that attacks on peacekeepers may constitute war crimes under international law .
South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, has seen worsening instability in recent months. A 2018 peace deal between President Salva Kiir and his rival Riek Machar has collapsed, with Machar now under house arrest facing treason charges . The government has been conducting a counteroffensive in Jonglei since January .
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the ambush “in the strongest possible terms” and called for a thorough investigation that would lead to the prosecution of those responsible .
International Response
India, which has previously contributed troops to UN peacekeeping operations, condemned the attack and called for an “immediate and thorough” investigation . The Permanent Mission of India to the UN stated: “India reiterates the fundamental importance of respecting the sanctity and inviolability of UN premises and personnel” .
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The broader security situation in South Sudan remains precarious, with the UN warning that the country is “at one of its most dangerous points” ahead of planned December elections . Between January and July, more than 450 incidents of violence against humanitarian workers and assets were reported, more than double the number from the same period last year.
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