The United Nations has launched an initial enquiry into Tuesday's deadly attack on the UN-African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), a UN spokesperson said Thursday.
"A preliminary fact-finding investigation is underway, which will be followed by an official investigation," Michele Montas told a press briefing.
On Tuesday, a joint police and military patrol of UNAMID was ambushed by unidentified militia in North Darfur. The attackers used heavy weapons and engaged the UNAMID convoy in an exchange of fire for more than two hours.
Five Rwandan peacekeepers and two police officers -- one from Ghana and the other from Uganda -- were killed, while 19 others --and not 22 as initially reported -- were wounded, the UN said.
The attack received widespread condemnation from UN officials, including Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon who condemned what he called an "unacceptable act of extreme violence against AU-UN peacekeepers in Darfur."
Ban called on the government of Sudan to do its utmost to ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly identified and brought to justice, in a statement issued Wednesday.
Source:Xinhua
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