The UN says one of its cargo helicopters has crashed in South Sudan, with unconfirmed reports saying it was shot down.
A search and rescue team has been sent to the crash site near Bentiu, said the UN mission in South Sudan.
A UN official told the AP news agency the Mi-8 helicopter had apparently been shot down.
Thousands of people have been killed this year in bitter fighting between South Sudan’s army and rebel forces.
Bentiu, capital of the oil-rich Unity state, has changed hands several times but a ceasefire agreement is currently in place.
On Monday, the two sides were given 45 days to form a power-sharing government.
The AFP news agency says the Mi-8 would normally have between three and five crew on board.
The UN said it was “deeply concerned” about the fate of the crew.
A government official has accused forces loyal to rebel commander Peter Gadet of shooting down the helicopter, AP reports. His forces have not yet commented.
wirestory
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