A section of Juba-Bor highway, on October 30, 2021 | Credit | Koang Pal Chang/Eye Radio

A humanitarian convoy escorted by peacekeepers of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan came under attack by gunmen in Anyidi Payam of Bor South County in Jonglei State on Friday, the mission said.

UNMISS said it strongly condemns the incident which threatened lives of humanitarian workers.

It said the convoy was passing through Macdit, 60 kilometers from Bor town, when a group of armed men emerged from the bushes and one opened fire on the UN vehicles.

In a statement emailed to Eye Radio, the peacekeeping mission said one of its vehicles was damaged, but there were no casualties.

UNMISS peacekeepers returned fire and repelled the attackers, the statement said.

Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary General’s Special Representative to South Sudan and head of UNMISS described the ambush as unacceptable.

“This attack threatened the lives of humanitarians delivering vital assistance to communities in need as well as peacekeepers providing protection. It is utterly unacceptable,” said Haysom.

The UNMISS chief commended the “rapid” response of Jonglei State government by dispatching a joint protection team of local force to the scene to provide support.

“It is important that a thorough investigation takes place and that the perpetrators are held accountable.” he added.