An airstrike by South Sudan’s airforce killed at least 19 in Nasir, following government troop withdrawal amid conflict with the White Army militia. This incident raises concerns about the potential resurgence of civil war. Allegations against political leaders involving collaboration with militia and the involvement of Ugandan forces further complicate the situation.
An air strike by South Sudan’s airforce resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals in Nasir, a town located in the eastern part of the country. This incident occurred shortly after government forces withdrew from the region due to ongoing conflict with the White Army militia. The clashes posed a risk of reviving the devastating civil war that lasted from 2013 to 2018, during which many lives were lost.
The White Army, primarily composed of armed Nuer youths, has been involved in conflicts against the national army, which is largely loyal to President Salva Kiir. The government alleges that First Vice President Riek Machar, a Nuer leader, is collaborating with the militia; however, Machar’s party has refuted these claims. Recently, a South Sudanese general was among those killed when a UN helicopter faced an assault during a rescue attempt in Nasir.
According to Information Minister Michael Makuei, the airstrike was conducted on Monday morning, but local community leader Kang Wan reported that the attack occurred late Sunday night. Of the deceased, 15 were killed immediately, while others later succumbed to their injuries. “All of them they got burned, everything got burned,” Wan noted regarding the violent aftermath.
Medecins Sans Frontieres indicated that three injured patients from Nasir arrived at its hospital in Ulang, with two succumbing to their extensive burns upon arrival. Furthermore, Nasir County Commissioner James Gatluak Lew suggested that the military action was likely retaliatory in nature, connected to the previous helicopter incident.
A recent declaration from Uganda stated that special forces were deployed in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, to ensure security. Although the South Sudanese government initially denied the presence of Ugandan troops, Makuei later clarified that some Ugandan military units were, in fact, providing support to the South Sudanese army as needed.
The airstrike in South Sudan exemplifies the ongoing tension and violence that marks the region, particularly with accusations against political figures and the threat of civil war resurgence. The involvement of external forces, like Uganda’s military deployment, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Continued international scrutiny and humanitarian support are essential as the country faces these challenges.
Original Source: www.canberratimes.com.au
