Two officers also injured when convoy of Pakistani peacekeepers ambushed in disputed region, says ISPR

A Pakistani soldier of peacekeeping mission was martyred and two officers were injured in Abyei — disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

It said a convoy of Pakistani peacekeepers was ambushed in Abyei while escorting two local patients to a hospital on January 28.

“Pakistani peacekeepers responded effectively and forced the militants to retreat. However, during exchange of fire, Sepoy Muhammad Tariq (resident of Badin, Sindh) embraced martyrdom while four individuals including two officers were injured,” it added.

According to the military’s media wing, Pakistan’s peacekeeping forces have always stood out for their professionalism and commitment to duty.

Up to 181 Pakistani peacekeepers are said to have lost their lives up to this point while defending international peace.

“Under the auspices of the United Nations, Pakistan remains committed to its role as a responsible member of the international community and will continue to contribute towards global peace and stability.”

António Guterres expressed his “deepest condolences to the Government and people of Ghana and Pakistan, as well as to the families of the deceased civilians” in a statement released by UN Secretary General Stephane Dujarric.

The UN stated on Monday that fighting between competing communities in a disputed area that is claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan has killed 54 people, including two UN personnel, and it is asking for calm.

Local authorities report that fighting started over the weekend in Abyei, a disputed oil-rich region that borders both countries.

According to a statement from UNISFA, the organisation “strongly condemns these attacks against civilians and peacekeepers.”

“Currently, according to local authorities, 52 civilians have lost their lives, while 64 others are said to be gravely wounded,” said the statement.

According to the report, on Sunday, “while transporting affected civilians from a UNISFA base to a hospital,” troops were fired upon.

There was a martyred Pakistani peacekeeper and “four uniformed personnel

The UN demanded calm on Monday after 54 people, including two UN staff members, were murdered in violence between rival communities in a disputed region that is claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan.

Fighting broke out over the weekend in Abyei, a disputed oil-rich territory that borders both countries, according to local authorities.