Two Indian peacekeepers killed in Jonglei’s Akobo attack
December 20, 2013 (JUBA) – At least two Indian peacekeepers were killed and another injured after an assault on a United Nations camp in Jonglei’s Akobo county, the mission said Thursday.
The incident was allegedly triggered by members of Nuer youth as they reportedly tried to get hold of rival Dinka men sheltering within the UN premises for protection.
The UN mission, in a statement, condemned in the “strongest terms” the violence that occurred in Akobo and continues in other parts of the country.
“We call on all parties to the crisis to refrain from further violence and seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis,” party read the statement extended to Sudan Tribune.
Ashok Mukerjisaid, India’s ambassador at the UN accused armed Nuer of allegedly carrying out the attack in Akobo.
“They were targeted and killed Thursday’s attack by ethnic Nuer youth on the [UNMISS] base,” he told the UN meeting in New York on Thursday.
At least 43 Indian peacekeepers, six UN police advisers and two civilians were at its Akobo base during the attack, the mission said.
“About 30 South Sudanese had sought shelter from the turmoil plaguing areas of Akobo County,” it further said.
Meanwhile,UNMISS dispatched its aircraft on Friday to evacuate the UN personnel.
Sudan Tribune was unable to reach the commissioner for Akobo, despite repeated attempts.
Between 400 t0 500 people, the UN said, have been killed in five days of fighting and over 20,000 civilians have sought shelter at UN bases in Juba and regional capitals.
(ST)