On Tuesday at 1130 hrs IST, a contingent of the Indian Peacekeeping Force under the UN Mission in South Sudan was ambushed by a rebel group while escorting a UN convoy. In the ensuing gun battle, five Indian peacekeepers- one officer, one JCO and 3 jawans- were martyred. Three others- One Officer and 2 jawans- received non-fatal injuries.

In a message Antony also conveyed his grief to the families of the fallen soldiers and lauded their bravery in the highest traditions of the Indian Army and in contribution to the peace and security in the world.

The bodies of the deceased soldiers are being brought to India for their final rites with full military honours.

The Indian Army has contributed to UN Peacekeeping operations around the world for over six decades and has currently over 7000 troops in four missions.

According to Indian Mission in South Sudan, there have been five casualties of the Indian battalion attached to UNMISS, while escorting a UN convoy in Gurmuck in the volatile state of Jonglei, South Sudan this morning at around 8.30 am. The convoy, comprising of 32 Indian soldiers, was attacked. The casualties included one officer of the level of Lt. Colonel 1 JCO and 3 jawans . There were also four wounded, including one officer level person.

The Indian casualties, including the injured (together with other local civilian casualties) are being brought by 3 UN helicopters from Jonglei to Juba. Indian Ambassador, together with the Chief Medical Officer of the Army Medical Corps will be receiving them at the Juba airport.

The injured will be first sent to the UN mission hospital in South Sudan for emergency treatment.

There are around 2,200 Indian Army personnel comprising of 2 battalions, 1 based in Jonglei and the other in Malakkal, Upper Nile, on the border with Sudan.