Source: United Nations - Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General |

Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the situation in Abyei

The Secretary-General conveys his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased peacekeeper and to the Government and people of Ethiopia

He extends his sympathies to the families of the civilians killed

NAIROBI, Kenya, July 17, 2019/APO Group/ --

The Secretary-General is saddened by the incident that occurred earlier today at the Amiet Market in Abyei, during which two United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) peacekeepers, conducting a routine patrol, came under attack by unknown assailants. One peacekeeper was killed while the other was wounded. Five civilians from Abyei region were also killed in the incident.

The Secretary-General conveys his deepest condolences to the family of the deceased peacekeeper and to the Government and people of Ethiopia and wishes the injured peacekeeper a speedy recovery. He extends his sympathies to the families of the civilians killed.

UNISFA has deployed peacekeepers to the area to enhance security and determine the circumstances behind the attack.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations - Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.