UN helicopter hit, downed in South Sudan

Incident follows attack on US helicopter in which four people were wounded

UN peacekeepers salute during a memorial service for two colleagues who were killed in an attack on the UN compound in Juba, South Sudan, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013. (AP/United Nations Mission in South Sudan)
UN peacekeepers salute during a memorial service for two colleagues who were killed in an attack on the UN compound in Juba, South Sudan, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2013. (AP/United Nations Mission in South Sudan)

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Two officials have told The Associated Press that a UN helicopter trying to evacuate peacekeepers and civilians was fired on and sustained significant damage on Friday in the same restive South Sudan state where a US helicopter was hit Saturday.

Rob McKee of Warrior Security said the UN helicopter was hit by small arms fire and made an emergency landing while trying to evacuate personnel from a base in Yuai in Jonglei state. A second official who insisted on anonymity because the information hasn’t been released said the helicopter was abandoned and remains unable to fly. No injuries were reported.

A UN spokesman didn’t answer a phone call or email seeking comment.

A US aircraft was fired on Saturday in Bor, the capital of Jonglei. Four US service members were wounded.

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.