UNMIL is deeply saddened by the loss of seven peacekeepers serving with its sister mission in Côte d'Ivoire (ONUCI). UNMIL's leadership joins The Secretary-General of the United Nations in his condemnation of the attack on ONUCI peacekeepers.

UNMIL is seriously concerned about the continued instability in the border areas between Côte d'Ivoire and Liberia and is in continuous contact with the United Mission in Côte d'Ivoire (ONUCI) in order to ascertain the situation on the ground and the details of the incident. 

An investigation is being launched by ONUCI to look into the circumstances of the incident. Noting that the terrain is rough dense forest, rendering it largely inaccessible from the Liberian side, UNMIL will be working in close cooperation with ONUCI in order to get conclusive information.

In the meantime, UNMIL has enhanced its foot patrols with its Liberian counter parts along the border with Côte d'Ivoire and the Mission has increased its border air patrols.

It is UNMIL's understanding that planning is on-going by Liberian security agencies to increase their presence in the Eastern region of the country.