An airstrike by South Sudan’s air force has killed at least 19 people in Nasir, following clashes between national forces and the White Army, which poses a risk of reigniting the prior civil war. Conflicts stem from accusations against First Vice President Riek Machar’s party regarding ties to the militia. The situation remains tense amidst regional military developments.
An airstrike conducted by South Sudan’s air force resulted in the death of at least 19 individuals in the eastern region of the country. This tragic incident occurred shortly after government forces withdrew from the Nasir area, which had experienced violent clashes with an ethnic militia. These tensions had the potential to rekindle the devastating civil war that spanned from 2013 to 2018, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives.
The fighting in Nasir, located near the Ethiopian border, involved South Sudan’s national forces and the White Army—a loosely organized group primarily composed of armed youths from the ethnic Nuer community. The government has charged the party of First Vice President Riek Machar, a Nuer, with colluding with the White Army. Machar’s party, however, has refuted these allegations.
On March 7, a UN helicopter attempting to evacuate approximately 27 soldiers from Nasir was attacked, resulting in the death of a South Sudanese general among the casualties. Information Minister Michael Makuei confirmed that the air force had bombed Nasir early on Monday morning. Community leader Kang Wan reported that the bombing occurred late Sunday night, claiming the initial death toll of 19, of which 15 died immediately.
Witnesses recounted horrific scenes, with reports of bodies burned beyond recognition. Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) indicated that its nearby hospital received three wounded victims from Nasir, with two tragically declared dead upon arrival due to severe burns. Nasir County Commissioner James Gatluak Lew suggested that the South Sudanese armed forces were likely retaliating for the helicopter attack.
In related developments, Uganda announced the deployment of special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, purportedly for security purposes. While the South Sudanese government denied the presence of Ugandan troops, Makuei acknowledged that certain Ugandan army units were indeed in the country to support the national army as needed.
In conclusion, the airstrike in South Sudan’s eastern region has resulted in significant loss of life, illustrating the ongoing instability and potential for renewed conflict in the area. The collision of national forces with ethnic militias, alongside international responses, reflects a complex and volatile political landscape that impacts the lives of ordinary citizens. Continued monitoring and diplomatic efforts will be essential in addressing these challenges.
Original Source: www.canberratimes.com.au
