Indian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) patrol near an airstrip in the strategic opposition-controlled town of Akobo, Jonglei State, South Sudan on February 12, 2026. [AFP]
Two peacekeepers were killed in an ambush in South Sudan on Monday, the United Nations said, condemning the latest sign of deadly unrest targeting foreign staff in the east African country.
South Sudan, one of the poorest and most corrupt nations in the world, has seen worsening instability in recent months, even as the government attempts to hold the first-ever elections in December.
The latest attack occurred in Jonglei state in the east of the country, which has been a focus of recent conflict between the government and opposition forces.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said the ambush by "unidentified armed individuals" happened as a patrol was heading to the town of Pajut and could "constitute war crimes".
"Two peacekeepers were killed in the attack, while seven others were injured, including three peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel and two civilian staff," it said in a statement.
UN chief Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the incident "in no uncertain terms", his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.