An airstrike in Nasir, South Sudan, caused civilian casualties and fires amid escalating tensions between forces loyal to President Kiir and First Vice President Machar. Local reports indicate significant damage and allegations of retaliation by the SSPDF. The conflict signals emerging hostilities and further destabilizes the area, previously impacted by civil strife and a fragile unity government.
An airstrike targeted the town of Nasir in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State late Sunday, resulting in civilian casualties and extensive fires, according to local officials and witnesses. The attack coincides with rising tensions between President Salva Kiir’s forces and First Vice President Riek Machar’s factions, indicating a dangerous escalation.
County Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep reported that military aircraft dropped several bombs on the airstrip and adjacent areas around 11:40 PM, leading to significant property destruction. While casualties were confirmed, the precise numbers remain unverified; victims are receiving medical treatment.
Thiep accused the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) of the airstrike, framing it as retaliation for recent clashes. Additionally, he claimed Longechuk County also experienced bombings on the same day, but details about that attack were not yet available.
Social media footage depicted flames consuming homes and trees in Nasir, corroborated by local armed youth commander Tet Chuol Gatkuoth, who confirmed the bombing but stated damage evaluations were still pending.
SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang was unavailable for comment regarding the attack. Tensions had escalated in the preceding days, with Defence Minister Gen. Chol Thon Balok pledging to reclaim Nasir during a funeral for an SSPDF commander killed during a U.N. evacuation effort.
The strategic town of Nasir, which borders Ethiopia, was captured by the White Army militia on March 4, exacerbating fears of renewed conflict between Kiir and Machar. Their forces previously engaged in a civil war from 2013 to 2018 that resulted in extensive casualties. The fragile unity government established through a 2018 peace deal has faced increasing strain due to recent violent episodes. Kiir’s government has further destabilized the situation by arresting multiple associates of Machar in Juba, indicating ongoing tensions in the power-sharing framework established by the peace agreement.
The airstrike in Nasir marks a critical escalation in the ongoing conflict between rival factions in South Sudan. With civilian casualties reported and increased tensions following recent clashes, the fragile peace established in the region is now further threatened. As both sides maneuver for control, the situation remains highly volatile, raising concerns of renewed conflict in a country still recovering from a devastating civil war.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
