Five UN peacekeepers killed in South Sudan - Daily Monitor

She said UNMISS is determined to continue its work to support authorities ensure peace.

Five United Nations (UN) peacekeepers and seven civilians have been killed in Jonglei State, a rebel-ridden area of South Sudan, according to reports.

 The UN and the military said the peacekeepers were ambushed by unidentified assailants at Gumruk village in Pibor County (Jonglei State), where the army has been battling rebels who are led by David Yau.

A statement from the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said at least nine peacekeepers and civilians were injured in the attack and some remained unaccounted for.

 “UNMISS peacekeepers frequently patrol the area as part of an effort to provide protection to civilians, as well as providing armed escorts to humanitarian aid convoys,” the UN statement read.

 "This attack will not deter UNMISS and its peacekeepers from working to protect vulnerable communities in South Sudan," UNMISS head, Ms Hilde Johnson, who is the special representative of the UN secretary general in the country, said.

 She said UNMISS is determined to continue its work to support authorities ensure peace.

 Army spokesman Col. Philip Aguer Panyang blamed the incident on the rebels, who he said recently blocked the route. He said the army would restore law and order in the area.