Militants attack UN peacekeepers in Sudan, one Pakistani soldier martyred: ISPR

ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani soldier serving in the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was martyred and four others wounded in a series of attacks by militants in the disputed region between Sudan and South Sudan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday.

The martyred soldier was identified as Muhammad Tariq.

The ISPR said that the Pakistani peacekeeping force was transporting two injured civilians from its base to a hospital when it came under heavy fire from the militants on Sunday. The Pakistani soldiers retaliated and forced the attackers to flee, the ISPR statement added.

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The ISPR expressed its grief and condolences over the martyrdom of the Pakistani peacekeeper and said that Pakistan remains committed to global peace and stability under the UN flag.

UNISFA condemned the attacks and called for a swift investigation so that the perpetrators can be held accountable. The mission also said that it has strengthened its protection of civilians and allowed all persons in danger of the inter-communal violence to seek refuge at its bases and camps.

Read more: Seven terrorists killed: ISPR

Abyei is a contested region that both Sudan and South Sudan claim as their own. The area is rich in oil and has been the scene of recurrent clashes between rival communities. The UN has deployed about 4,000 peacekeepers in the region since 2011 to monitor the security situation and protect civilians.