An airstrike in Nasir, Upper Nile state, resulted in the deaths of at least 21 civilians. Local authorities indicated that the SSPDF and UPDF were responsible for the attack. The violence has reignited tensions in a region with a history of conflict, prompting calls for peace and accountability.
In a devastating airstrike on Sunday night in Nasir, Upper Nile state, at least 21 civilians, including two women and two children, were killed, with one survivor critically injured. Local officials and witnesses indicated that the attack, which targeted residential districts and resulted in significant property damage, was carried out by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Ter Chuol Gatkuoth, a commander of the White Army, recounted, “The victims were burned to death,” following multiple bomb strikes. He confirmed that out of 17 individuals wounded immediately following the strike, only one remains alive. Nasir County Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep corroborated the death toll, adding that bombardments resumed shortly after the initial attack, impacting Ngueny Boma in Koat Payam.
The Commissioner appealed for a resolution from the national government, advocating for dialogue to address the nation’s challenges. In the wake of these attacks, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, announced troop deployments to assist President Salva Kiir’s government amidst escalating instability. Last week, Uganda had already confirmed the deployment citing security needs.
The airstrike has escalated tensions in Nasir, a significant border area with Ethiopia that fell under the control of the White Army on March 4. President Kiir’s government has alleged that this militia collaborates with his political rival, First Vice President Riek Machar, with whom he previously fought a devastating civil war.
Prominent civil society activist Edmund Yakani called for an immediate ceasefire and proposed the establishment of peace monitors to investigate the airstrike, stating, “Crimes against humanity are unfolding in plain sight,” and emphasized the need for accountability. This violence coincides with a vow from South Sudan’s Defence Minister, Gen. Chol Thon Balok, to reclaim control of Nasir following recent SSPDF losses. The spokesperson for SSPDF was unavailable for comments at the time of reporting.
The aerial bombardment in Nasir has resulted in significant civilian casualties, escalating tensions in a region marked by instability. Local leaders are calling for government intervention and dialogue to restore peace while international observers highlight the urgent need for accountability amidst allegations of ongoing crimes against humanity. The situation remains critical as military operations continue and the humanitarian impact unfolds.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
