UN Peacekeepers Killed in South Sudan Ambush

Two United Nations peacekeepers have been killed in an ambush in South Sudan, raising fresh concerns that the country could be heading back into full-scale civil war.

The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said armed men attacked a patrol travelling towards Pajut in Jonglei State on Monday, August 24. The identities and nationalities of the two peacekeepers killed have not yet been released.

Three other peacekeepers were wounded in the attack, along with two South Sudanese police officers and two civilian staff working with the UN mission. UNMISS deployed a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and assist with the emergency response.

UNMISS head Anita Kiki Gbeho condemned the attack, saying violence against personnel working to support peace in South Sudan was unacceptable.

Rising Violence

The attack comes amid a significant increase in violence across South Sudan. According to UN figures, more than 450 attacks against humanitarian workers and aid facilities were recorded between January and July 2026—more than twice the number recorded during the same period last year.

At least 36 humanitarian workers and contractors have been killed so far this year, compared with 31 throughout 2025.

The violence has intensified amid renewed fighting between government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and forces aligned with opposition leader Riek Machar, who previously served as vice president.

Machar was suspended from his position last year and is currently under house arrest while facing treason charges. He has rejected the charges as politically motivated.

A 2018 power-sharing agreement between Kiir and Machar, which was intended to end years of conflict, has effectively broken down.

Fighting escalated in December after opposition forces captured government positions in Jonglei State. Government forces responded with air strikes and ground operations, despite maintaining that they remain committed to the 2018 peace agreement.

The United States has urged Kiir and Machar to return to negotiations, warning that urgent action is needed to prevent South Sudan from sliding into another civil war.

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