An airstrike by South Sudan’s airforce killed at least 19 people in Nasir on March 17, 2025. The incident follows recent clashes with the White Army, raising concerns about a potential resurgence of civil conflict. Government accusations against Riek Machar’s party regarding collaboration with the White Army persist amid ongoing violence in the region.
On March 17, 2025, an airstrike conducted by South Sudan’s airforce resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals in the eastern town of Nasir. This incident transpired shortly after government forces relocated from the area due to recent hostilities with the ethnic militia known as the White Army. The ongoing tensions have rekindled fears of a resurgence of conflict akin to the civil war witnessed between 2013 and 2018, which resulted in significant loss of life.
The clashes in Nasir, situated near the Ethiopian border, were primarily between national forces and the White Army, an armed group largely composed of ethnic Nuer youths. The South Sudanese government has accused First Vice President Riek Machar’s party of colluding with the White Army, which previously supported Machar’s forces during the civil war against troops loyal to President Salva Kiir. Machar’s party has publicly denied these allegations.
On March 7, a UN helicopter attempting to evacuate around 27 soldiers from Nasir was attacked, leading to the death of a South Sudanese general among the casualties. Following this, the airforce bombed Nasir, a development confirmed by Information Minister Michael Makuei during a recent press conference.
Community leader Kang Wan reported that the airstrike occurred late on Sunday night, with 15 individuals dying instantly and others succumbing to their injuries later. Witnesses indicated a grim scene with 16 bodies observed, many severely burned. Medical aid organization Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) confirmed the arrival of three injured patients at their hospital in Ulang, with two declared dead on arrival due to critical burns.
James Gatluak Lew, the Commissioner of Nasir County and an ally of Machar, suggested that the airstrike might have been an act of retaliation for the earlier helicopter attack. Additionally, Uganda recently announced the deployment of special forces in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, which the South Sudanese government initially denied. However, Makuei later stated that some Ugandan military units were indeed present to assist the national army as required.
The airstrike in Nasir has reignited fears of escalation in South Sudan’s tensions, particularly amidst ongoing accusations and denial between government forces and opposition groups. The tragic loss of life highlights the volatility of the region, as community leaders point to the airstrike as a retaliatory measure by government forces. The involvement of Ugandan troops further complicates the situation, warranting ongoing international attention and response.
Original Source: bdnews24.com
