The U.S. State Department condemned Wednesday a recent attack on a UN vehicle in Myanmar’s western Rakhine state.

Axar.az reports citing Turkish media.

"The United States condemns the April 20 attack on a clearly-marked UN vehicle in Rakhine State, which resulted in the death of one World Health Organization (WHO) employee and the wounding of a health worker," agency spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

The UN confirmed Tuesday that the vehicle carrying swabs from patients to be tested for coronavirus came under gunfire in Rakhine and the driver was killed.

Ortagus said the U.S. understands Myanmar nationals were working to fight the COVID-19 pandemic when they came under attack.

"This egregious act undermines efforts to protect vulnerable populations in [Myanmar] and again highlights the urgent need for a cessation of fighting in Rakhine State," said Ortagus.