Five Indian peacekeepers killed in South Sudan

NEW DELHI: Five Indian Army personnel, including a Lt Colonel, all part of a UN peacekeeping mission, were today killed and as many injured when their convoy was ambushed by rebels in South Sudan.

The attack took place at 0930 hrs local time in Jonglei near Gumruk, Army sources said here.

A Lt Colonel and a Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) were among those killed in the incident, they said.

"Peacekeepers from India in UN Mission in the Republic of South Sudan ( UNMISS) attacked in Jonglei," an MEA spokesperson said here.

Arrangements are being made to bring back the bodies of the Indian peacekeepers.

Since South Sudan got independence in July 2011, it has witnessed ethnic strife, with Pibor county, the main base of UN peacekeeping force, being the centre of much of the violence.

Last month, an Indian soldier was shot there amid fears of a government crackdown.

India is a major contributor to UN peacekeeping forces around the world and has suffered losses in the past.