South Sudan: 60 Civilians Injured in Fighting Near UN Base

South Sudan: 60 Civilians Injured in Fighting Near UN Base

27 October 2014 – More than 60 civilians were injured yesterday after fighting broke at a protection of civilians site next to the United Nations House on the outskirts of Juba, South Sudan, according to a UN spokesperson.

The UN Mission in the country (UNMISS) reported that four of the injured civilians are in serious condition, while two armed UN police officers suffered minor injuries in the melee. Tear gas and warning shots were fired to halt the rioting.

“By late afternoon yesterday, however, the situation was brought under control,” said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric at a press briefing. “The Mission is investigating the cause of the rioting, and two suspects have been detained by UN Police on suspicion of allegedly instigating the violence,” he added.

Some 11,000 civilians are being protected by UNMISS at the site where the fighting broke out, while more than 100,000 civilians are housed at such sites nationwide.

In related news, Mr. Dujarric noted that $637 million is still required to maintain humanitarian aid operations in South Sudan until year’s end. Thus far, 61 per cent of the $1.8 billion requested has been received. In all, aid agencies in South Sudan have reached 3.5 million of the 3.8 million people targeted with some form of aid this year.

ENDS

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