“This bombing of civilians and humanitarian workers is an outrageous act, and those responsible must be held accountable for their actions,” the White House said in a statement, noting that the area hosted over 20,000 refugees.
“These provocative aerial bombardments greatly increase the potential for direct confrontation between Sudan and South Sudan,” it said, referring to other attacks undertaken by Sudanese forces on Tuesday near the border.
“The United States demands the government of Sudan halt aerial bombardments immediately. We urge the government of South Sudan to exercise restraint in responding to this provocation to prevent further escalation of hostilities.”
Thursday’s air strike, hours after the south’s president accused Khartoum of seeking a pretext for war, killed 12 people and wounded 20, according to the commissioner of Pariang County in Unity state where the attack took place.