10 July 2008 - The UN-AU mission in Darfur reports today that the attack on a UNAMID patrol on Tuesday , 8 July, resulted in the deaths of seven peacekeepers -- five Rwandan military personnel and two police officers – one from Ghana and the other from Uganda. 22 other peacekeepers were wounded (17 military and 5 police), and not 19 as reported initially.

Seven UNAMID vehicles were removed by the attackers. Two other vehicles were burnt and an APC (armored personnel carrier) was vandalized.

The joint UNAMID military and police patrol team was on a patrol to conduct an investigation into the killing of civilians in the area where they came under attack.

The perpetrators were onboard 40 vehicles mounted with heavy machine guns, anti-aircrafts and recoilless weapons.

During the attack, the team was engaged in a heavy and sustained fire, which lasted for about three hours, resulting in the loss of lives and severe injuries.

A preliminary fact-finding investigation is underway, which will be followed by an official investigation.

(As read out at the UN Headquarters noon briefing by the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General)