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The U.S. Embassy in Juba has condemned an attack on United Nations peacekeepers in Jonglei State that killed two peacekeepers and injured seven others.

According to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), a patrol travelling to Pajut in Duk County came under attack by unidentified armed individuals.

UNMISS said those injured include three peacekeepers, two South Sudan National Police Service personnel and two civilian staff.

In a statement extended to Eye Radio, the U.S. Embassy denounced the attack and called for those responsible to be held accountable.

“The U.S. Embassy strongly condemns the attack by armed youth on a United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) force-protection convoy in Jonglei state,” said the statement.

“According to initial reports, the attack killed two peacekeepers and injured seven others. We express our deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and we wish those injured a full and swift recovery,” the statement said.

The U.S. mission called for a full and transparent investigation into the attack and for those responsible to be held accountable.

“We denounce any targeting of United Nations peacekeepers, who work to protect civilians and foster peace and stability in South Sudan. We urge a full and transparent investigation into this attack and for those responsible to be held accountable,” the mission said.

The embassy also expressed deep concern over continued intercommunal and armed violence in Jonglei State and its impact on civilians and UN peacekeepers.

“We remain deeply troubled by the persistent intercommunal and armed violence in Jonglei state and its toll on civilians and peacekeepers. South Sudanese political and community leaders must urgently act to stop further violence and safeguard those working to advance peace and security,” the statement said.

The U.S. Embassy urged political and community leaders to take urgent action to end the violence and protect civilians and those working to promote peace and security.