Four people were killed and eight others injured after two mortar bombs landed on a UN compound in Maluth County in Upper Nile state last evening, according to the UN Mission in South Sudan.

The civilians fled their homes due to ongoing violence in the state and sought shelter at the base.

In a statement, the mission says those killed include a woman and a child. The bombs came from the scene of clashes between the government forces and those of General Johnson Olony.

The injured are currently receiving treatment within the camp.

The Head of UNMISS, Ellen Margareth Loj condemned the killing, saying the mission is deeply concerned about the disregard for civilian lives.

She says all parties to the conflict have the obligation to protect civilians and guarantee the safety of international aid organizations.

“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” says Ms Løj.

UMISS says it has received about 270 newly displaced persons at its base in Maluth while about 350 others are currently staying in an area next to the compound.

“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.”