2 soldiers killed, UN observer wounded in Juba blast

May 20, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Two Sudanese soldiers were killed and a UN monitor injured after an explosion in an ammunition depot in Juba, the capital of south Sudan, a Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) spokesperson said Saturday.

“A SAF lance corporal and a (Sudan People’s Liberation Army) soldier have been killed while one of the UN monitors, who was far away from the depot, was injured,” said General Mohamed Osman al-Aghbash.

Earlier Moscow said a Russian peacekeeper was wounded when an unexploded shell landed in the tent he was in. He was taken to a UN hospital, where he received treatment, the defense ministry indicated.

SAF spokesperson added that the explosion, which happened on Friday, damaged nearby offices and was likely caused by high temperatures.

“The depot was a temporary one in which ammunition of different sizes, including shells of tank guns, have been placed,” Aghbash said.

The ammunition had been due to be removed on Friday, he added.

(ST)