05 April 2011 - One UNAMID peacekeeper has been killed after an attack by a group of armed men on a Mission patrol this afternoon near Kutum, North Darfur. The convoy was ambushed while returning nearby from Fata Borno. Peacekeepers swiftly responded and, in an exchange of fire, one of the attackers was killed. The gunmen then managed to carjack a UNAMID vehicle, abducting three of the Mission’s staff members.

Two of the abductees were later released. Both sustained injuries and one is reported to be in serious condition. The vehicle was later recovered and the third peacekeeper was found to have been killed.

The injured have been taken to Kutum for medical treatment. More information will follow as soon it becomes available.

Communication and Public Information Division Media Contacts
Kemal Saïki, Director; saiki@un.org; tel.: +249 (0) 92 244 3529; mobile: +249 (0) 92 241 0020

Chris Cycmanick, Officer-in-Charge, Media Relations, cycmanick@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)91 253 8436

Mayada Umbadda, Media Relations, umbadda@un.org, mobile: +249 (0)91 250 1966