The U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Sudan is increasing its military patrolling in parts of Jonglei State to allow families to return home and to provide access for humanitarian aid, the U.N. mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said Tuesday. UNMISS said in a statement that it intensified its patrols in recent days in Pibor and Gumuruk towns, and launched sustained patrols in areas outside both towns to assist in creating a secure environment that allows civilians to safely return to the towns and access the ongoing food distribution. "The patrols are being conducted daily, both on foot and vehicles, moving beyond the boundaries of both Pibor and Gumuruk towns and covering a radius up to 18 kilometers so far," the statement said. Fighting between state and non-state actors and a resurgence of inter-communal clashes had displaced thousands and cut off an estimated 10,000 civilians in the area from life-saving aid. While on patrols, the "blue helmets" locate vulnerable displaced civilians affected by recent fighting, the mission said. They explain the situation in Pibor and Gumuruk towns and the ongoing food distribution, and gather information on the location of other civilians and their condition.
