In a tragic incident, a Pakistani Peacekeeper soldier serving with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was martyred, and four others were wounded during a series of attacks by militants in the disputed region between Sudan and South Sudan. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the unfortunate news on Monday, identifying the martyred soldier as Muhammad Tariq.
According to the ISPR statement, the Pakistani peacekeeping force came under heavy fire from militants while transporting two injured civilians from its base to a hospital on Sunday. In a swift response, the Pakistani soldiers retaliated, compelling the attackers to flee the scene.
Expressing deep grief and condolences, the ISPR emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to global peace and stability under the UN flag. The incident underscores the risks faced by peacekeeper operating in volatile regions to maintain peace and protect civilians.
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UNISFA condemned the attacks and called for a prompt investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. The mission highlighted that it has reinforced its protection of civilians and opened its bases and camps to all individuals endangered by inter-communal violence.
Abyei, a region contested by both Sudan and South Sudan, has been a longstanding flashpoint with its significant oil resources and recurrent clashes between rival communities. Since 2011, the UN has deployed approximately 4,000 peacekeepers to monitor the security situation and safeguard civilians in the region.
As tensions escalate in Abyei, the international community is closely watching developments, emphasizing the critical need for continued efforts to promote stability and resolve conflicts in this disputed zone.
