Indian soldiers continue to provide shelter and critical medical assistance to displaced civilians in the midst of escalating violence in South Sudan.
In an attack in April last year, five Indian UNMISS peacekeepers were killed when they were ambushed by about 200 attackers near Jonglei State.
Two UNMISS Indian Battalion troops were killed in action and one was injured on December 19 in Akobo following an assault on a UNMISS base.
The UN Chief strongly condemned the attack, saying the attack on a location where civilians are being protected by the United Nations is a “serious escalation.”
A statement issued by Ban's spokesperson said any attack on peacekeepers is “unacceptable and constitutes a war crime.”
“The Secretary-General expresses his condolences to the bereaved families and pledges all possible support to those wounded in this attack,” the statement added.
Mr. Ban called on the South Sudan government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of all the Mission's civilian protection sites throughout the country.
The UN chief also urged all parties to refrain from any actions or statements that could further escalate the situation.
“UNMISS emphasizes the primary responsibility of South Sudanese to protect all its population and to maintain public order,” the mission said in a statement.
