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.
UNMISS said it had deployed a "Quick Reaction Force" to the area.
"Such deadly violence targeting UNMISS personnel who are serving to support peace in South Sudan is unacceptable. I extend my deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the peacekeepers who lost their lives and wish those injured a speedy recovery," said UNMISS head Anita Kiki Gbeho.
UNMISS said earlier this month that 36 humanitarian workers had been killed so far this year.
South Sudan gained independence in 2011 but soon after fell into civil war.
A power-sharing deal ended the conflict in 2018, but has fallen apart over recent months, with President Salva Kiir's longtime rival, Riek Machar, jailed last year and removed from his position as vice-president.
A UN-appointed Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan last week warned that elections in these conditions could fuel "renewed conflict" and "atrocity crimes".
The country is "at one of its most dangerous points", with a "worsening political, security, humanitarian and human rights situation," the commission said in a report.
It also faces major aid cuts, with the UN warning that food assistance to refugees and displaced people may end within weeks due to lack of funding.
Overall, 7.8 million people face acute food insecurity in South Sudan, and 2.2 million children are acutely malnourished.
