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Cambodian peacekeeper killed, 3 missing in Central Africa attack: PM

Xinhua, May 9, 2017 Adjust font size:

Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said on Tuesday that one Cambodian peacekeeper was killed and three others missing after a rebel group attacked their convoy in Central African Republic (CAR).

The attack took place on Monday night when the Cambodian peacekeepers were escorting Moroccan troops, he said, adding that five Moroccan peacekeepers were also injured and one was also missing in the attack.

Hun Sen said that Captain Phim Sam, who was a driver, was confirmed dead in the attack.

"On behalf of the Royal Government of Cambodia, I would like to express my profound condolences to the bereaved family for the death (of Captain Phim Sam)," he said during the inauguration ceremony of a new Tboung Khmum provincial hall in southeastern Cambodia.

The Cambodian prime minister said that it was in question whether the four missing peacekeepers were escaping from the attack or being held hostage by the rebel group, as three helicopters had been used to search for them.

"I call on the United Nations to take a high responsibility to ensure the lives of the missing Cambodian troops as well as a Moroccan troop," he said.

According to the prime minister, the rebel group attacked the peacekeepers in an attempt to liberate their group members.

Cambodia has sent its peacekeepers to join a UN peacekeeping operation in CAR since 2014. Currently, some 216 Cambodian peacekeepers are on their mission there. Endit