UN calls killing of South Sudan aid workers possible war crime

Six unarmed aid workers were killed in South Sudan on March 25, the worst such atrocity since the start of that country’s three-year civil war.

U.N. humanitarian spokesman Jens Laerke said on Monday, March 27 that the killings could constitute a war crime, and must be investigated and the perpetrators prosecuted.

The six were ambushed while traveling from the capital, Juba to the town of Pibor through territory mostly held by government forces but rife with militias and armed groups from rival clans fighting for dominance in the region.

At least 79 aid workers have been killed since the forces of President Salva Kiir first clashed with forces loyal to ousted Vice President Riek Machar in December 2013.