China intensifies efforts in South Sudan through the United Nations Peacekeeping Force. (Photo : Getty Images)
The Chinese foreign ministry reported last Monday the death of two Chinese UN peacekeepers. They died in an exchange of gunfire as rebels tried to invade a UN compound in Juba, the country's capital.
The attack happened at around 6:39 pm local time on Sunday.
One of the peacekeepers died on the spot while the other died while being transferred to the hospital. Other casualties include five people with serious injuries and two others dead.
The Chinese peacekeepers tried to safeguard the UN compound amidst heavy gunfire. An armored shell hit an armored vehicle that had seven soldiers inside. Li Lei, one of the peacekeepers, died from injuries to the head and chest.
The six other peacekeepers, Yao Daoxiang, Wu Le, Song Xiaohui, Huo Yahui, Chen Ying and Yang Shupeng, were also wounded. Yang died while in transit to hospital due to severe injuries.
The Chinese defense ministry released a statement saying, "The Chinese army is deeply shocked and strongly condemns the attack. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life.We offer our condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of the dead and wounded."
A month ago, a Chinese peacekeeper was killed and four others were seriously wounded in Northern Mali. This was an attack claimed by Al-Qaeda's North African branch.
The conflict in South Sudan is a result of a struggle for power between allies of President Kiir and Vice President Machar. South Sudan is the newest country in the world and one of the most poverty-stricken.
There are over 7,500 UN peacekeeping troops deployed in the country. Experts say that the number of troops is not enough to stop tension in such a huge territory.
