Two UN peacekeepers killed in ambush in South Sudan

Jonglei, South Sudan, August 24, 2026 — Two United Nations peacekeepers were killed and seven others injured after a UN patrol came under attack by unidentified armed individuals in South Sudan’s Jonglei state on Monday, according to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The attack took place as the patrol was travelling towards Pajut, an area that has been affected by renewed conflict between government and opposition forces. UNMISS said the circumstances of the attack could amount to war crimes.

Among those injured were three peacekeepers, two members of the South Sudan National Police Service and two civilian staff members.

UNMISS strongly condemned the attack and said it had deployed a Quick Reaction Force to the area following the incident.

Anita Kiki Gbeho, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and head of UNMISS, described the killing of peacekeepers serving to support peace and protect civilians as unacceptable. She expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

Nepal is among the countries that contribute personnel to the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. Nepali peacekeepers have been involved in duties including security patrols, civilian protection and humanitarian and security assessments in difficult and remote areas.

Nepali Army spokesperson Raja Ram Basnet said there were no reports of Nepali peacekeepers being involved in Monday’s attack.

UNMISS has personnel from a wide range of countries, including Nepal, India, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Bangladesh, China and Tanzania, with both military and police personnel serving under the mission.

South Sudan became independent in 2011 but descended into a civil war soon afterward. A power-sharing agreement reached in 2018 helped end the main conflict, although political tensions and violence have continued. The government of President Salva Kiir is also preparing for elections scheduled for December.