Two UN Peacekeepers Killed in South Sudan Ambush as Fears of Civil War Grow

Two United Nations peacekeepers have been killed in an ambush in South Sudan, raising fresh concerns over the country’s worsening security situation and the growing risk of a return to full-scale civil war. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said the peacekeepers were attacked while travelling towards Pajut in Jonglei state. Three other peacekeepers were wounded in the attack, alongside two South Sudanese police officers and two civilian staff working with the UN mission. The nationalities of those killed have not yet been released. UNMISS responded by deploying a Quick Reaction Force to

Two United Nations peacekeepers have been killed in an ambush in South Sudan, raising fresh concerns over the country’s worsening security situation and the growing risk of a return to full-scale civil war. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said the peacekeepers were attacked while travelling towards Pajut in Jonglei state. Three other peacekeepers were wounded in the attack, alongside two South Sudanese police officers and two civilian staff working with the UN mission. The nationalities of those killed have not yet been released. UNMISS responded by deploying a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and assist with the emergency response. Mission chief Anita Kiki Gbeho condemned the attack, saying violence against UN personnel who are working to support peace in South Sudan is unacceptable. The attack comes after months of growing violence between government forces and fighters loyal to opposition leader Riek Machar. Machar, who previously served as vice president, has been under house arrest and faces treason charges that he says are politically motivated. The power-sharing agreement signed between Machar and President Salva Kiir in 2018 has increasingly come under pressure. The wider humanitarian situation is also becoming more dangerous. UN figures show that more than 450 attacks against humanitarian workers and their facilities were recorded between January and July 2026, more than twice the number reported during the same period last year. At least 36 humanitarian workers and contractors have been killed this year.