An air strike by South Sudan’s air force in Nasir has killed at least 19 individuals, following recent tensions with the ethnic militia White Army. Accusations of collaboration between Machar’s party and the militia deepen political rivalries. The situation poses risks of renewed civil conflict, compounded by regional military interventions.
An air strike conducted by South Sudan’s air force has resulted in the fatalities of at least 19 individuals in the eastern town of Nasir, according to statements from local residents. This incident occurred shortly after government forces withdrew from the region amidst escalating conflicts with the ethnic militia known as the White Army.
In Nasir, which is located near the Ethiopian border, intense clashes erupted between national forces and the White Army, primarily composed of armed youth from the Nuer ethnic group. The confrontation poses a significant risk of reviving the 2013-2018 civil war, a devastating conflict that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.
The South Sudanese government has accused the faction led by First Vice President Riek Machar, a Nuer leader, of collaborating with the White Army, known to have fought alongside Machar’s forces against President Salva Kiir’s predominantly Dinka troops during the prior civil strife. Machar’s party has since denied these allegations.
A separate incident recently claimed the lives of approximately 27 soldiers, including a South Sudanese general, when a UN helicopter attempted to evacuate them from Nasir but came under attack. Information Minister Michael Makuei confirmed at a press conference that the air force bombed Nasir early on Monday morning.
Community leader Kang Wan reported that the incident actually took place late on Sunday night, noting that 15 of the victims died immediately, while the remaining casualties succumbed to their injuries later. Another resident corroborated the count of bodies observed, indicating that 16 were seen, with three others reported deceased. Wan remarked, “All of them they got burned, everything got burned.”
Médecins Sans Frontières reported that their facility in nearby Ulang treated three injured individuals from Nasir on Monday morning. Tragically, two of these patients were declared dead upon their arrival as a result of severe burns.
James Gatluak Lew, the Commissioner of Nasir County and an ally of Machar, opined that the actions of the South Sudanese armed forces might be perceived as retaliation for the helicopter attack. Additionally, Uganda has announced the deployment of its special forces in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, under the pretense of securing the region. The South Sudanese government has previously denied the presence of Ugandan troops; however, Minister Makuei acknowledged the presence of some Ugandan units in South Sudan to support the national army as required.
The air strike in Nasir has led to significant loss of life and raised concerns regarding escalating violence in South Sudan following recent conflicts with the White Army. Accusations against Riek Machar’s party regarding collaboration with this militia further complicate the political landscape. The retaliatory actions from the government forces may indicate a dangerous path toward renewed civil strife. Furthermore, international developments, such as Uganda’s involvement in supporting South Sudan’s military, add another layer of complexity to the situation.
Original Source: www.canberratimes.com.au
