By Parach Mach
JUBA, South Sudan (AA) - Six aid workers were killed over the weekend in an ambush attack in troubled South Sudan, the United Nations said, calling for investigation.
It is the deadliest attack on humanitarian workers since the world’s youngest nation's civil war began in 2013. At least 12 aid workers have been killed so far this year, and 79 since the civil war began in 2013, said a UN statement late Sunday.
In the statement, David Shearer, the head of the UN mission in South Sudan, called the killing "utterly reprehensible."
He said, "The UN condemns this appalling and pointless loss of life. This cold-blooded killing is utterly reprehensible, not least, because these aid workers were dedicated to alleviating the ongoing suffering of the people of South Sudan."
He added, "The latest attack occurred in areas controlled by the South Sudan government. The government needs to investigate and apprehend the offenders.”
The staff from a national NGO were reportedly ambushed in their vehicle in a government-controlled area on the Juba-Pibor road Saturday morning.
The bodies of the slain aid workers were found on the road by other members of the convoy who were some way behind, Shearer said in a statement seen by Anadolu Agency.
He pointed out that nearly 80 aid workers have been killed so far in the country since its civil war began in December 2013. “This is an indication that the country is one of the most dangerous places in the world in which to be a humanitarian worker,” said Shearer.
The offenders “should not be allowed to go unpunished. Young men are being armed without training and are able to act with impunity by all sides,” he said.
Shearer also called for an immediate and complete cease-fire and a resumption of peace talks in the country.
Famine has been declared in South Sudan and about 5.5 million people are suffering from famine, including 100,000 on the brink of starvation.