Gunmen shoot two UNAMID peacekeepers in West Darfur

[News_Editor]

Gunmen shoot two UNAMID peacekeepers in West Darfur

2011-03-23 06:33:13 GMT+7 (ICT)

EL GENEINA (BNO NEWS) -- Two peacekeepers with the African Union/United Nations Hybrid operation in Darfur (UNAMID) were shot on Tuesday after being ambushed in West Darfur.

UNAMID said the incident happened at around 4.15 p.m. local time in Masteri, a village located about 45 kilometers (28 miles) south of El Geneina, when unidentified gunmen opened fire on the vehicle of two uniformed Mission personnel. The peacekeepers had just completed escort duties

A statement issued by UNAMID said the driver of the vehicle was seriously injured while his colleague remains in a critical condition. It called upon the Government of Sudan to identify, capture and swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.

The AU-UN Joint Special Representative Ibrahim Gambari expressed outrage at the "cowardly attack" against UNAMID's peacekeepers, who are in Darfur to help restore peace and stability. UNAMID said it remains undaunted and unwavering in its commitment to carrying out its mandate in the service of peace.

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