An airstrike in Nasir town resulted in 21 civilian deaths, with accusations against the SSPDF and UPDF. The attack, targeting residential areas, has reignited tensions amidst a backdrop of historical conflict in South Sudan. Calls for ceasefire and accountability have intensified following the violence.
An airstrike in Nasir town, Upper Nile state, resulted in the deaths of at least 21 civilians, including two women and two children, according to local officials and residents. One survivor is reported to be in critical condition. Witnesses have attributed the attack to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), identifying that residential areas were the primary targets, leading to destruction of homes.
Commander Ter Chuol Gatkuoth from the White Army reported that victims were “burned to death” due to multiple bomb strikes. Initially, 17 casualties were confirmed on-site after the bombing, with subsequent injuries leading to additional fatalities. Official figures indicate a total of 21 deaths resulting from the attack.
Gatluak Lew Thiep, Nasir County Commissioner, affirmed that the airstrike occurred on Sunday night and expressed concerns over renewed bombardments targeting Ngueny Boma in Koat Payam. He emphasized that current assessments of casualties are complicated by outages in the mobile network within the area.
In light of these events, the Commissioner has urged the national government to seek solutions for achieving lasting peace, highlighting the necessity of dialogue for resolving ongoing national issues. Following the attack, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba of Uganda announced operations to support South Sudan’s government amidst rising instability in the region.
The airstrike has exacerbated tensions in Nasir, strategically located along the Ethiopia border, especially after the White Army’s seizure of the town on March 4. The militia is viewed as aligned with First Vice President Riek Machar, a rival of President Salva Kiir. A devastating civil war between their factions claimed around 400,000 lives from 2013 to 2018.
Prominent civil society activist Edmund Yakani called for an immediate ceasefire and urged for peace monitors to investigate the incident, stating, “Crimes against humanity are unfolding in plain sight.” He demanded accountability for the airstrike’s consequences.
This current violence aligns with a recent statement from South Sudan’s Defence Minister Gen. Chol Thon Balok, promising to reclaim Nasir following military losses during a failed UN evacuation on March 7. The SSPDF is yet to comment on the recent developments.
The airstrike in Nasir that resulted in the tragic loss of 21 civilian lives, including women and children, unveils the growing instability in South Sudan. As tensions escalate following military actions by the SSPDF and UPDF, the urgent call for peace dialogues becomes evident. The situation necessitates accountability and monitoring to prevent further humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
