UN unable to identify attackers in South Sudan copter downing

United Nations (United States) (AFP) - A UN inquiry has concluded that a Russian helicopter was probably hit by anti-aircraft fire when it crashed in South Sudan last year, but could not determine who was responsible for the attack, the UN spokesman said Friday.

Three Russian crew members were killed and a fourth injured in the downing on August 26 of the Mi-8 helicopter flying for the UN mission in South Sudan.

The board of inquiry concluded that "there is a high probability that the helicopter was hit by anti-aircraft fire which caused mechanical failure and eventually leading to the crash," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

But the seven-member panel "was not able to identify the attackers", he added.

The helicopter was downed in the northern Bentiu region where both government forces and rebels were operating and "the firing could have come from either party," said Dujarric.

In September, the UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) had indicated that a rebel leader, Peter Gadet, had a hand in the attack.

UNMISS revealed that Gadet had claimed during a phone call with UN staff prior to the crash that UN aircraft were being used to transport government troops.

During the phone call, Gadet "threatened to shoot down the mission's aircraft", the statement said.

UN cargo helicopters are vital to supplying UN peacekeeping bases and providing food for civilians who have taken refuge in the bases following the outbreak of war in December 2013.

Helicopters are also crucial in reaching remote regions hardest hit by the fighting, which aid agencies say has pushed the country to the brink of famine.