An airstrike in Nasir, South Sudan, caused civilian casualties and extensive property damage amid rising tensions between forces loyal to President Kiir and those aligned with First Vice President Machar. The SSPDF is accused of conducting the strike in retaliation for prior clashes. The situation escalates fears of renewed conflict and complicates the fragile power-sharing agreement established by the 2018 peace deal.
A recent airstrike in Nasir, a town in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State, has led to civilian casualties and significant property damage. Local officials, including County Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep, reported that military aircraft dropped bombs on the town late Sunday, causing fires and injuries. The exact number of casualties remains unverified, but victims have been transported to hospitals for treatment.
Commissioner Gatluak accused the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) of executing the strike in retaliation for prior clashes in the area. He also stated that Longechuk County experienced bombing on the same day, though further details are not yet available. A video reviewed by Radio Tamazuj depicted flames consuming houses and trees, suggesting extensive destruction.
Witnesses, including local armed youth commander Tet Chuol Gatkuoth, confirmed the bombing and noted that damage assessments were still pending. The airstrike comes after escalating tensions following Defence Minister Gen. Chol Thon Balok’s declaration to retake Nasir earlier during a funeral for a commander.
Nasir’s strategic location near the Ethiopian border has made it a significant focal point, especially after the White Army, allegedly associated with First Vice President Riek Machar, captured an SSPDF base on March 4. The ongoing conflicts have reignited fears of civil war, further straining the already fragile unity government established under a 2018 peace agreement, especially following the arrest of several of Machar’s allies by Kiir’s administration.
The airstrike on Nasir exacerbates the ongoing tensions between competing factions in South Sudan. With civilian casualties reported and previous hostilities leading to heightened military actions, the potential for renewed conflict looms large. The recent capture of strategic locations and arrests of political affiliates strain the precarious balance of power established by the 2018 peace deal, signaling a precarious future for South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
