Peacekeeper killed in Darfur ambush

NYALA, Sudan, March 17 (UPI) -- Unknown gunmen ambushed a patrol of international peacekeepers in Sudan's Darfur region Tuesday, killing one of them, the United Nations said.

An estimated eight attackers opened fire on the half-dozen peacekeeping troops about 1:20 p.m. as they were returning to their base in Nyala, South Darfur, the United Nations reported.

A wounded soldier was immediately taken for medical treatment at the mission's hospital in Nyala and later died while being evacuated by helicopter to El Fasher for further medical treatment.

Officials with UNAMID, the joint African Union and United Nations peacekeeping mission, strongly condemned what they called cowardly acts of violence against the peacekeepers. They called on the Sudanese government and other parties in the region to ensure the safety of U.N. personnel in the region.

"These ongoing attacks against UNAMID peacekeepers will not dissuade us from pursuing our mandate in Darfur," said Rodolphe Adada, the organization's joint special representative. "I strongly condemn these unprovoked attacks against peacekeepers who are here to help the people of Darfur."

It was the second such ambush this month.