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Sudan

Sudan: UNAMID peacekeeper killed in South Darfur

Today, at about 13:20 hours, six UNAMID Peacekeepers were ambushed by approximately eight unknown gunmen, who opened fire on them, while they were returning to their base in Nyala, South Darfur after conducting an escort patrol.

The Peacekeepers returned fire in self-defense and one peacekeeper was injured during the ensuing firefight. The wounded soldier was immediately taken for medical treatment at the Mission's hospital in Nyala and later died while being evacuated by helicopter to El Fasher for further medical treatment.

UNAMID strongly condemns these cowardly acts of violence against its Peacekeepers, and calls on all parties, including the Government of Sudan, to ensure the safety of UN personnel in the region.

"These ongoing attacks against UNAMID Peacekeepers will not dissuade us from pursuing our Mandate in Darfur," said the Joint Special Representative, Mr. Rodolphe Adada. "I strongly condemn these unprovoked attacks against Peacekeepers who are here to help the people of Darfur," he added.

This is the second time this month that UNAMID Peacekeepers have been ambushed by unknown armed men while conducting their duties in Darfur. Since the deployment of UNAMID in Darfur at the beginning of 2008, 14 peacekeepers (11 military personnel and 3 police officers) have died as a result of hostile actions.