Two United Nations peacekeepers have been killed in an ambush in South Sudan as renewed fighting raises fears that the country could slide back into full-scale civil war.
The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said in a statement on Monday that armed men attacked a patrol travelling towards Pajut in Jonglei State.
Three other peacekeepers were wounded in the attack, along with two South Sudanese police officers and two civilian members of the UN mission.
The identities and nationalities of the two peacekeepers who died have not yet been released.
UNMISS said it deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and assist with the emergency response following the attack.
“Such deadly violence targeting UNMISS personnel, who are serving to support peace in South Sudan, is unacceptable,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, head of the UN mission.
The attack comes amid a sharp rise in violence across the country and growing concern over the possible collapse of a fragile peace arrangement between President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar.
Conflict intensifies
Although attacks on humanitarian workers have become increasingly common this year, deadly attacks specifically targeting UN peacekeepers remain relatively rare.
UN figures show that more than 450 attacks against humanitarian workers and aid facilities were recorded between January and July, more than twice the number reported during the same period last year.
At least 36 humanitarian workers and contractors have been killed so far this year, already exceeding the 31 deaths recorded throughout 2025.
The worsening security situation follows months of fighting between government forces and forces loyal to Machar, who previously served as vice president.
Machar was suspended from office last year and is currently under house arrest while facing treason charges. He has rejected the allegations, describing them as politically motivated.
The conflict has raised questions about the future of a 2018 power-sharing agreement between Kiir and Machar that was intended to end years of devastating fighting.
Violence escalated further in December after opposition forces seized government positions in Jonglei State. Government forces responded with air strikes and ground operations while continuing to insist that they remain committed to the 2018 peace agreement.
The United States has also increased diplomatic pressure on both leaders to return to negotiations.
Earlier this year, Washington called for urgent action to preserve the peace agreement, reduce the risk of renewed civil war and bring the parties back to dialogue.
The latest attack on UN personnel is likely to heighten concerns over the deteriorating security situation and the ability of peacekeeping and humanitarian missions to operate safely across South Sudan.
