An airstrike by South Sudan’s airforce killed at least 19 people in Nasir, amid rising tensions after government military withdrawal. The attack escalates fears of renewed conflict connected to historical civil strife involving the Nuer ethnic militia. Allegations regarding collaborations between political leaders and militia complicate the security landscape, as regional dynamics, including Ugandan military support, add to the unrest.
An airstrike conducted by South Sudan’s airforce resulted in the death of at least 19 individuals in the eastern town of Nasir, as reported by local residents. This incident occurred shortly after government forces retreated from the area following intense clashes with an ethnic militia. These confrontations raised concerns about the potential resurgence of the civil war that plagued South Sudan from 2013 to 2018, leading to numerous fatalities.
The fighting between the South Sudanese national forces and the White Army, which mainly comprises armed youths from the Nuer ethnic group, had escalated tensions. The government alleges that First Vice President Riek Machar, a Nuer, is complicity with the White Army, which previously aligned with Machar during the civil conflict against the predominantly Dinka forces loyal to President Salva Kiir. Machar’s party has refuted these claims, denying any involvement with the militia.
On March 7, a U.N. helicopter was attacked while attempting to evacuate approximately 27 soldiers from Nasir, resulting in the death of a South Sudanese general among them. Michael Makuei, South Sudan’s Information Minister, stated that the airforce conducted airstrikes in Nasir on Monday morning. However, community leaders assert the bombing occurred late on Sunday night, with reports that 15 of the deceased died on site and others later due to their injuries.
Kang Wan, a community leader from Nasir, indicated that the victims were severely burned in the attack. Reports from Médecins Sans Frontières confirmed that their nearby hospital in Ulang treated three wounded individuals, two of whom succumbed to their injuries upon arrival due to extensive burn injuries.
James Gatluak Lew, Nasir County Commissioner and ally to Machar, suggested that the airforce attack was retaliatory in nature, possibly linked to the recent helicopter incident. Moreover, it was reported that Ugandan special forces had been deployed in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, to ensure security, although the South Sudanese government had initially denied their presence. In contrast, Makuei acknowledged the support of some Ugandan army units for the South Sudanese national army as per their operational requirements.
The tragic airstrike in Nasir underscores the ongoing volatility within South Sudan, particularly amid rising ethnic tensions and the historical context of civil conflict. With the death toll confirmed at 19, there are alarming implications regarding the potential resurgence of violence in the region. Furthermore, the interplay between government dynamics and external military involvement complicates the situation further, necessitating close observation and intervention from the international community to ensure stability.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
