JUBA - The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) condemns yesterday’s ambush of its peacekeepers in Western Equatoria State by elements of a local armed group, who subsequently seized a small cache of weapons and ammunition.

The incident occurred while UNMISS military personnel were conducting a patrol between Tambura and Mapuse.

The Mission reiterates that its peacekeepers are deployed to protect civilians at a time when access and security remain fragile across Western Equatoria, particularly in and around Tambura. They must not be targeted by armed groups.

The Mission further emphasizes that any attack against its peacekeepers may constitute a war crime.

All peacekeepers involved in the incident have returned safely to their designated Mission base. UNMISS will continue to conduct robust patrols across the country in line with its mandate to protect civilians.

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Contact: UNMISS Spokesperson, Priyanka Chowdhury at chowdhury20@un.org or unmiss-spokesperson@un.org