A fatal ambush in Jonglei state, South Sudan, has claimed the lives of two United Nations peacekeepers, with three others and two South Sudanese police officers sustaining injuries. The attack occurred on Monday when a UNMISS patrol was targeted by armed men en route to Pajut. This incident comes amidst mounting concerns that South Sudan may be slipping back into civil war. The identities of the deceased peacekeepers have yet to be disclosed. The United Nations has responded swiftly, deploying a Quick Reaction Force to secure the area and support emergency response measures. Anita Kiki Gbeho, head of UNMISS, strongly condemned the attack, stating that such violence against peacekeeping personnel is unacceptable. The year 2021 has seen an alarming increase in attacks on humanitarian workers and assets, with more than 450 incidents recorded between January and July. This figure far surpasses the total for the same period in 2020, resulting in at least 36 casualties among humanitarian personnel. The conflict between government troops and forces loyal to opposition leader Riek Machar, who was suspended from his post last year and now faces treason charges, has been ongoing for months. Despite the power-sharing agreement struck in 2018 aimed at averting a full-scale civil war, tensions have escalated, with opposition forces seizing government outposts in Jonglei in December. The government's response has included air strikes and ground assaults, despite its declared commitment to the 2018 accord. The United States continues to urge Kiir and Machar towards dialogue, stressing the urgent need for peace talks to mitigate the risk of a civil war.