An airstrike in Nasir, South Sudan, resulted in civilian casualties and fires amidst rising tensions between President Kiir’s forces and those of First Vice President Machar. Local officials reported the bombing executed by the SSPDF, accusing it of retaliation. The incident unveils the fragility of the peace established under the 2018 agreement as civil unrest escalates.
An airstrike hit Nasir in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State late Sunday, reportedly resulting in civilian casualties and setting off major fires. This attack is amidst rising tensions between the forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and the rival groups supporting First Vice President Riek Machar. Local officials reported the incident took place at around 11:40 PM, causing extensive damage in the area.
County Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep informed Radio Tamazuj that multiple bombs were dropped on the town’s airstrip and adjacent regions. Although he confirmed there are casualties and injuries, he stated that the exact figures had yet to be authenticated. Victims were transported to nearby hospitals for care, as panic swept through the affected area.
Gatluak accused the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) of conducting the attack as retribution for earlier clashes in Nasir. He further claimed that Longechuk County in Upper Nile State also faced bombing on the same day, although details about this event remain scarce.
Witness accounts and a video reviewed by Radio Tamazuj depicted flames consuming houses and trees in Nasir. Local commander Tet Chuol Gatkuoth confirmed the bombing incident but mentioned that damage evaluations were still underway. The SSPDF spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, could not be reached for a statement regarding the airstrike.
The attack on Nasir follows a period of elevated tensions. Defence Minister Gen. Chol Thon Balok had recently declared intentions to regain control of Nasir during a funeral for an SSPDF commander killed on March 7. The strategic border area, vital for its proximity to Ethiopia, was taken by the White Army, a militia accused by Kiir’s faction of being associated with Machar. This incident raises alarms of a potential resurgence in conflict between the two leaders, who previously engaged in a bitter civil war from 2013 to 2018.
The fragile unity government established after a 2018 peace agreement is facing severe strain following this violence. In addition, the Kiir administration has detained several associates of Machar in Juba, which threatens the integrity of the power-sharing pact. The situation in Nasir has been increasingly volatile since the White Army captured an SSPDF base there earlier this month.
The airstrike in Nasir highlights the ongoing conflict between the factions led by President Kiir and First Vice President Machar, reigniting fears of violence reminiscent of their previous civil war. Claims of civilian casualties and property damage further complicate the humanitarian situation in the region. As tensions escalate, the stability of the fragile unity government remains in jeopardy, posing serious risks for peace in South Sudan.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
