The U.S. Embassy in South Sudan has condemned an armed attack on World Food Programme (WFP) humanitarian workers in Jonglei State on September 29, during which food assistance intended for nearly 20,000 people was reportedly offloaded.

In a statement to Eye Radio newsroom,  issued on October 12, the Embassy said the incident undermined humanitarian assistance intended for vulnerable communities.

The statement said, “Humanitarian workers must never be targets,” calling on South Sudan’s leaders and all parties to ensure safe and unimpeded humanitarian access.

The Embassy also urged authorities to prevent further attacks and hold those responsible accountable.

It described the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan as man-made and called on the country’s leaders to use public revenue to provide basic services for citizens.

The statement did not identify those responsible for the September 29 attack.