South Sudan’s government has ordered civilians to evacuate a northern area after an airstrike against an armed group. The ongoing conflict threatens a 2018 peace deal and has resulted in tensions between President Kiir and Vice President Machar. Reports of civilian casualties are unconfirmed by the military.
The government of South Sudan has issued an order for civilians to evacuate a northern area following an airstrike against an armed group known for its recent attacks, including an assault on a military base and a United Nations helicopter. The directive came as tensions escalated within Nasir County, where clashes have put the fragile 2018 peace agreement at risk, an accord that concluded a devastating civil war resulting in over 400,000 casualties.
Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth advised the public, stating that civilians remaining in military zones and refusing to vacate would face consequences. He confirmed that the army conducted an airstrike in Nasir County on the night prior and indicated that further military actions would follow. Reports indicate that over a dozen civilians may have been killed in the airstrike, although the military has not corroborated these claims.
The armed group involved, commonly referred to as the White Army, is suspected to have ties to Riek Machar, the vice president of South Sudan. Tensions have intensified as President Salva Kiir’s administration has recently dismissed several officials believed to support Machar, who expressed concern that ongoing unilateral government decisions threaten the integrity of the existing peace deal. Earlier this month, government forces encircled Machar’s residence in the capital city of Juba, arresting several of his associates after the White Army’s takeover of the military facility in Nasir County.
In summary, South Sudan’s government has ordered a civilian evacuation from a conflict zone following an airstrike against an armed group, amidst rising internal tensions threatening the 2018 peace agreement. The situation remains precarious as the government continues military operations in Nasir County, raising concerns over potential civilian casualties and further instability.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
