An airstrike in Nasir, South Sudan, has resulted in civilian casualties and fires, attributed to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces amid escalating tensions between factions loyal to President Kiir and First Vice President Machar. This event raises concerns about renewed conflict in the region.
An airstrike occurred in the town of Nasir, located in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State, on Sunday night, leading to civilian casualties and widespread fires. Local officials and eyewitnesses report that the attack, executed by a military aircraft, targeted the town’s airstrip and surrounding areas around 11:40 PM, resulting in significant destruction, although the exact casualty figures remain unconfirmed.
Gatluak Lew Thiep, the Nasir County Commissioner, stated that while there are confirmed reports of deaths and injuries, precise numbers have yet to be determined. Victims have been transported to local hospitals. He asserted that the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) carried out the bombing as retribution for earlier clashes in the region. Additionally, he mentioned an attack on Longechuk County but provided limited details.
Social media shared videos showing flames consuming homes and vegetation in Nasir. Local youth commander Tet Chuol Gatkuoth verified the airstrike, noting that a damage assessment was still forthcoming. Moreover, SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang was unavailable for immediate comment regarding the incident.
This airstrike follows a spike in hostilities, with Defence Minister Gen. Chol Thon Balok recently declaring intentions to retake Nasir during a funeral for an SSPDF commander who died in a U.N. evacuation attempt in early March. The strategic border hub was overtaken on March 4 by the White Army, a militia that Kiir’s faction claims is aligned with Machar, intensifying fears of renewed conflict between the two leaders.
The ongoing tensions reflect the fragility of the unity government established under a 2018 peace agreement, especially as Kiir’s administration has begun detaining some of Machar’s associates in the capital, Juba. Nasir has emerged as a significant flashpoint since the White Army captured an SSPDF base earlier this month.
The recent airstrike in Nasir underscores the escalating tensions between factions loyal to President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The strikes have resulted in civilian casualties and significant destruction, highlighting ongoing instability in the region. As hostilities increase and political tensions mount with the detention of Machar’s associates, the fragile peace established by the 2018 agreement remains precarious.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
