The bravery of 43 Indian peacekeepers stationed at a UN base in South Sudan, which was attacked by about 2,000 rebels this week, prevented more casualties, a top UN official said as she lauded the dedication shown by Indian troops in peacekeeping missions.

Two Indian soldiers, Warrant Officers Dharmesh Sangwan and Kumar Pal Singh, were killed in the December 19 attack on the UN base in the Jonglei state town of Akobo in South Sudan.

A third soldier, Indian Battalion Warrant Officer Mondal Shabul, was wounded in the chest during the attack and was flown to Malakal where he was reported to be in stable condition.

The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) held a memorial ceremony in Juba on Saturday for the two Indian Battalion peacekeepers killed in the attack.

Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General (SRSG) for South Sudan Hilde Johnson paid tribute to Sangwan and Singh as "brave and courageous soldiers" and extended her condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen peacekeepers.

"As a mission, we are inspired by the dedication shown by the Indian troops," said Johnson, who laid wreaths on the coffins of the slain peacekeepers during the ceremony which was held at the Mission's compound adjacent to Juba International Airport.

"Had it not been for their bravery, the death toll at the (UNMISS base) could have been higher."

Johnson cited the press statement of the Security Council which had condemned the attack in the strongest terms and had called on the Government of South Sudan to swiftly investigate the incident.

US, Nigerian envoys to fly in

Juba: Envoys from the United States and from African powerhouse Nigeria were to fly into Juba on Sunday, part of intense diplomatic efforts to avert all-out civil war in South Sudan. The US envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, was expected to arrive Sunday, an official said, adding that Nigeria is also sending in an envoy. pti

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