A South Sudanese general and at least two dozen soldiers were killed when a United Nations helicopter sent to evacuate them from the northern town of Nasir came under attack, the government said on Friday.
The UN condemned the assault as “utterly abhorrent,” warning it could constitute a war crime under international law.
The mission aimed to extract troops following clashes between government forces and the White Army militia, linked to First Vice President Riek Machar’s faction.
President Salva Kiir confirmed the death of General Majur Dak and said Machar had personally assured him and the UN of Dak’s safety before the operation.
Information Minister Michael Makuei said about 27 soldiers were killed, along with a UN crew member. It was unclear whether the helicopter was hit mid-air or on the ground.
UNMISS chief Nicholas Haysom called for an investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
Machar’s spokesperson declined to comment. His party recently accused the government of detaining key allies, warning it could jeopardize the fragile 2018 peace deal that ended a five-year civil war.
Despite Kiir’s assurances that South Sudan would not return to war, rising tensions have fueled fears of renewed conflict in the world’s youngest nation.
