An airstrike by South Sudan’s air force killed at least 19 in Nasir, following government clashes with the White Army militia. Accusations against Riek Machar’s party and the context of previous civil conflict add to the situation’s complexity. Additionally, Uganda’s military presence raises further implications for the stability in South Sudan.
On March 17, 2025, an airstrike by South Sudan’s air force resulted in at least 19 fatalities in the eastern town of Nasir, as reported by local residents. This incident follows the recent withdrawal of government forces from the area after clashes with the militia known as the White Army, which includes armed ethnic Nuer youths, potentially escalating tensions reminiscent of the previous civil war from 2013 to 2018 that caused massive casualties.
The government has accused the faction led by First Vice President Riek Machar, which is predominantly Nuer, of collaborating with the White Army. This militia had previously allied with Machar’s forces against President Salva Kiir’s Dinka troops during the civil conflict. Conversely, Machar’s party has denied any involvement with the militia’s activities.
Notably, a South Sudanese general was killed along with about 27 soldiers in a UN helicopter attack on March 7, while attempting to evacuate from Nasir. At a press conference, Information Minister Michael Makuei announced that the airstrikes occurred on a Monday morning, though community leader Kang Wan indicated the attack happened late Sunday night. The reported casualties include 15 people who died instantly and additional victims who succumbed to serious injuries later.
Witnesses mentioned observing 16 bodies at the scene and noted the severity of the burns suffered. Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) confirmed it received three injured individuals from Nasir, including two who were pronounced dead upon arrival due to their severe injuries.
Commissioner James Gatluak Lew of Nasir County, allied with Machar, suggested that the attack may have been a retaliatory strike by South Sudanese armed forces following the earlier helicopter attack. Furthermore, Uganda has recently deployed special forces in South Sudan’s capital Juba, asserting a mission to secure the area, a claim which the South Sudanese government initially dismissed but later acknowledged as assistance from Ugandan units in support of the national army.
The airstrike in Nasir caused significant civilian casualties, with at least 19 dead, amidst rising tensions between government forces and ethnic militias. These events highlight the fragile security situation in South Sudan following a history of devastating civil conflict. The involvement of external forces, such as Uganda’s deployment, adds another layer to the complex political landscape. Both the accusations against Riek Machar’s faction and the government’s military actions suggest ongoing conflicts and potential for further violence in the region.
Original Source: bdnews24.com
