Four civilians killed in shelling of UN compound in Melut: UNMISS

May 20, 2015 (JUBA) – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) condemned the shelling of its compound in Melut saying four people were killed in the oil producing area where heavy fighting take place between the government and rebel fighters.

On Wednesday , the opposition faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM-in-Opposition) announced it a “tactical withdrawal” from the oil-rich Melut town which they captured on Tuesday.

While in Juba, the South Sudanese army said they launched a counterattack to repulse the SPLM-in-Opposition fighters and their allied militiamen led by Maj. Gen. Johnson Olony.

Two mortar bombs hit the UNMISS compound and the protection of civilians’ site on Wednesday evening. The statement did not say which party shelled the base.

UNMISS in a statement issued on Wednesday “strongly” condemned the recent surge of violence in Melut which resulted in “the deaths of 4 civilians, including a woman and a child and severely injuring another 8 civilians who are currently receiving treatment for their wounds”.

“I want to remind the parties of their obligation to take all measures not to harm civilians and guarantee the safety of international aid organizations and United Nations personnel and assets,” said UNMISS chief Ellen Margrethe Løj.

“I call upon them to respect the sanctity of UN installations and staff, so the United Nations can continue to implement its activities and UNMISS its protection of civilians’ mandate,” Løj further said.

There are around 1,000 civilians on UNMISS compound in Melut. 270 displaced persons arrived Tuesday on the protection site while another 250 to 350 are in an area adjacent to the compound.

(ST)