A UN helicopter was attacked in South Sudan, resulting in one crew member’s death. The assault occurred during an evacuation of soldiers amidst clashes involving the White Army militia. UNMISS condemned the act, suggesting it may constitute a war crime, and called for an investigation. The political situation remains tense with recent arrests of officials linked to Vice President Machar.

A United Nations helicopter was attacked while attempting to evacuate South Sudanese soldiers near Nasir, resulting in the death of one crew member and injuries to several troops. This incident occurred amidst ongoing tensions in the region, linked to clashes between South Sudanese forces and the White Army militia, which has connections to First Vice President Riek Machar. The attack was reported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, condemned the assault, characterizing it as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime under international law. He expressed deep regret over the loss of life and reiterated the need for an investigation to identify those responsible for the attack. In light of the incident, President Salva Kiir’s office announced that he would address the nation later that day.

The White Army militia, primarily composed of individuals from the Nuer ethnic group, previously allied with Machar’s forces during the brutal civil war from 2013 to 2018. The current political climate has grown increasingly tense, as Machar’s spokesperson reported the arrest of high-ranking officials allied with Machar, raising concerns about the stability of the peace process in South Sudan. Despite these developments, Machar’s party has refuted any involvement in the violence in Nasir and the government has not publicly commented on the recent detentions.

This tragic incident highlights the precarious security situation in South Sudan, where ongoing ethnic tensions and military confrontations jeopardize existing peace efforts. The international community, represented by UNMISS, calls for accountability and investigation into the attack, underlining the severe implications of violence against humanitarian missions. The statement from President Kiir and the response from Machar’s camp will be pivotal in shaping the future of South Sudan’s fragile peace process.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com