3 killed as Ethiopian chopper hit UN compound in Sudan

By Faruk Zorlu

ANKARA

Three crew members were killed in the disputed Abyei region on the border between Sudan and South Sudan after an Ethiopian military helicopter hit the compound of the UN peacekeeping mission on Saturday.

In a statement, the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) said a helicopter with 23 passengers on board was carrying Ethiopian troops when it crashed. Three out of ten injured passengers are in critical condition.

"The immediate cause of the crash is not yet known," UNISFA said.

"Ethiopia has around 4,500 personnel on the ground to support UNISFA’s efforts of ensuring peace and security in Abyei," UNISFA added.

South Sudan seceded from Sudan in an acrimonious split following a 2011 referendum.

The two nations have disputes over several issues including the status of disputed oil-rich Abyei area and South Sudan's alleged support to Sudanese rebels.