Ghanaian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) came under heavy attack when they were caught in a crossfire between government forces and anti-government forces.
The fighting which was concentrated around the Rubkona Air field involved the use of both artillery and small arms fire.
But Citi News sources has revealed although the crossfire was intense, there were no casualty recorded among the Ghanaian troops.
It will be recalled that Citi News first reported that (UNMISS) has faced heavy criticism after security agents intercepted weapon shipment in Lakes state, with calls for boss Hilde Johnson to stand down.
The incident sparked protests in the capital, Juba, in March, with demonstrators carrying placards denouncing Johnson.
UNMISS said the cargo was transported due to labelling error and was intended for its Ghanaian peacekeepers recently deployed as additional forces in the country following the mid-December outbreak of violence.
A scene from the attacks
The Ghana Armed forces in a communique confirm the recent incident saying, ‘’although Ghanaians were not targeted by any of the opposing forces, an artillery shell accidentally dropped at the compound the Ghanaians were living in during the exchange of fire by the opposing forces.’’
This led to the burning of several gas cylinders in the camp; in the process, a tent and two six-module accommodations being used by the Ghanaian troops got burnt.
The statement signed by Deputy Director for Director Public Relations, Lt Colonel E Aggrey-Quashie also said the fighting has at the moment shifted from the area where the Ghanaians are deployed.
By: Evans Effah/citifmonline.com/Ghana