PR / 23-2010

PRESS RELEASE

El Fasher, 21 June 2010 – Three peacekeepers with the African Union – United Nations Mission in Darfur were killed and one seriously wounded today in a sustained armed confrontation with unknown attackers near the village of Nertiti, in the Jebel Marra region of West Darfur.

The soldiers from a UNAMID Protection Force Battalion, who were providing security to civilian engineers working on a UNAMID team site at the time, came suddenly under heavy gunfire at approximately 11:30 hrs, from more than 20 assailants in camouflage battle dress.

The peacekeepers returned fire and engaged the attackers in a firefight which lasted almost an hour – three of the assailants were killed, while the remainder of the attacking force fled the scene, stealing one 4x4 vehicle.

The wounded soldier was immediately taken to the Mission’s Level III hospital in Nyala, South Darfur, where he is listed in critical condition.

UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR) Mohamed B. Yonis expressed his outrage at this act of wanton violence. Praising the courage of the peacekeepers, the DJSR stated that UNAMID would not be intimidated. “Our mission will continue to carry out its mandate, which is to bring peace and security to the people of Darfur,” he said.

The Mission strongly condemns these cowardly acts of violence against its peacekeepers, calling on all parties to ensure the safety of UNAMID personnel in the region and pointing out that any attack against peacekeepers is a war crime.

The last attack on UNAMID peacekeepers occurred in May 2010, when two Egyptian troops were killed and three injured in an ambush in South Darfur. Today’s events bring the number of fallen UNAMID peacekeepers to 27 (24 military personnel and three police officers).