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UN Helicopter Shot Down Over South Sudan, Three Feared Dead

August 26, 2014

South Sudanese local government officials claim three members of the crew died when the craft was shot down by rebels. The U.N. has not confirmed any deaths, but has sent a rescue team.

The United Nations confirmed today that one of its Mi-8 cargo helicopters crashed today in near Bentiu, a conflct zone in rural South Sudan.

South Sudanese local government officials claim three members of the crew died when the craft was shot down by rebels. The U.N. has not confirmed any deaths, but has sent a rescue team. 

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Sudan People's Liberation Army soldiers

"The government of South Sudan is profoundly disturbed by the loss of three UNMISS members who dedicated their lives to the service of humanity," Wek said. Of these casualties, one person is said to have been badly injured but survived. The U.N. did not immediately confirm any deaths.

Just a day ago the two sides agreed, with the help of Ethiopia, to move toward a cease-fire and establish a unity government in the coming weeks.