(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) w York April 18 - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned the attack on civilians and peacekeepers at the UN mission base in South Sudan. "This attack on a location where civilians are being protected by the United Nations is a serious escalation" said Ban in a statement issued by his Spokesperson in New York which reminded all parties that any attack on UN peacekeepers is "unacceptable and constitutes a war crime." "The Secretary- General expresses his condolences to the bereaved families and pledges all possible support to those wounded in this attack" the statement continued. The UN Mission (UNMISS) has reported that some 5000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) were sheltering at its base in Bor at the time of the attack. Dozens were wounded and are receiving medical attention at the compound's clinic. In addition UNMISS says that two of its peacekeepers sustained injuries repelling the armed mob. Ban called on the Government to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of all the Mission's civilian protection sites throughout the country. In his statement the UN chief also urged all parties to refrain from any actions or statements that could further escalate the situation. The violence that has swept South Sudan since mid-December 2013 has left thousands dead and forced around a million people to flee their homes after fighting broke out in the capital Juba between soldiers loyal to President Salva Kiir and forces who sided with former vice-president Riek Machar.
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