In Abyei, a disputed region between Sudan and South Sudan, a Pakistani peacekeeping soldier was killed and two officers were hurt, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
It stated that on January 28, while transporting two local patients to a hospital, a convoy of Pakistani troops was ambushed in Abyei.
The militants were effectively forced to retreat by the robust response of Pakistani soldiers. However, during the firefight, Badin, Sindh resident Sepoy Muhammad Tariq accepted death while two officers and four other people were hurt, the statement continued.
According to the military’s media wing, Pakistan’s peacekeeping forces have always stood out for their professionalism and commitment to duty.
Up to 181 Pakistani peacekeepers are said to have lost their lives up to this point while defending international peace.
“Under the auspices of the United Nations, Pakistan remains committed to its role as a responsible member of the international community and will continue to contribute towards global peace and stability.”
António Guterres expressed his “deepest condolences to the Government and people of Ghana and Pakistan, as well as to the families of the deceased civilians” in a statement released by UN Secretary General Stephane Dujarric.
The UN stated on Monday that fighting between competing communities in a disputed area that is claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan has killed 54 people, including two UN personnel, and it is asking for calm.
Local authorities report that fighting started over the weekend in Abyei, a disputed oil-rich region that borders both countries.
According to a statement from UNISFA, the organization “strongly condemns these attacks against civilians and peacekeepers.”
“Currently, according to local authorities, 52 civilians have lost their lives, while 64 others are said to be gravely wounded,” said the statement.
According to the report, on Sunday, “while transporting affected civilians from a UNISFA base to a hospital,” troops were fired upon.
It stated that “four uniformed personnel and one local civilian sustained injuries” in addition to the martyrdom of a Pakistani peacekeeper.
UNISFA further stated that a Ghanaian peacekeeper had been slain on Saturday and demanded an inquiry into the incident.
