United Nations Mission in South Sudan or UNMISS condemns the killing of a Bangladeshi peacekeeper on Tuesday during an armed attack on a convoy.
Lieutenant Commander Ashraf Siddiqui, Military Liaison Officer, was in a convoy that was supporting the delivery of relief to vulnerable civilians in Central Equatoria.
The convoy led by Nepalese peacekeepers was providing protection to aid workers travelling from Yei to Lasu when unknown gunmen fired several bullets at the group.
Head of the UNMISS David Shearer in a statement, says Lieutenant Commander Ashraf Siddiqui was hit and died from his wounds shortly.
He adds that the Nepalese peacekeepers immediately returned fire and the attackers retreated into the forest.
The UNMISS head expresses his deep regret at the tragic loss of life.
‘I would like to express my sincere sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of our fellow peacekeeper, Lieutenant Commander Ashraf Siddiqui, who was killed today,’ says Shearer.
‘It is a tragedy that he lost his life in such an appalling act of violence while working to help those in need and to protect the lives of others’, he laments.
He calls on armed men to allow peacekeepers and aid workers to carry out their work freely and safely.