Helicopter Shot Falling UN Peacekeeping in Sudan

Posted by Kama Yasa on 22nd December, 2012

Sudan - UN peacekeeper helicopter was on a reconnaissance mission in the state of Jonglei, South Sudan, was shot down. The four-man crew from Russia died in this incident.

Quoted by Reuters on Saturday (12/22/2012), the helicopter was shot Friday (21/12). The helicopter was allegedly shot by the army of South Sudan.

UN sources said the helicopter was on a reconnaissance mission in southern Sudan in an area where the South Sudan army, the SPLA, is battling rebels led by David Yau Yau.

"SPLA has shot a helicopter in the area Likuangole in Jonglei state," said UN peacekeeping spokesman Kieran Dwyer.

But Sudan army denies UN helicopter shot. Sudan army spokesman said the shooting was Kueth Kella by rebel soldiers led by David Yau Yau.

"SPLA did not shoot down the helicopter," said Kella.

Russian news agencies reported that the helicopter was shot belonged to the Russian company. The helicopter was under contract to work at the United Nations and used in peace-keeping missions in South Sudan.

The UN mission in South Sudan, known as UNMISS started after South Sudan broke away from Sudan.

Last changed: 22nd December, 2012 at 12:58 PM