South Sudan’s air force conducted an airstrike in eastern Nasir, resulting in 19 fatalities amid escalating clashes with the White Army. Accusations between government forces and ethnic groups threaten to reignite past civil conflicts. Recent reports highlight casualties and humanitarian responses, alongside Uganda’s controversial military presence in the region.
A significant airstrike by South Sudan’s air force in the eastern region reportedly resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals. This escalation follows the recent withdrawal of government forces from the area amid ongoing violent clashes with the White Army, a group predominantly comprising Nuer ethnic youths. The situation raises concerns of a potential revival of the civil war that persisted from 2013 to 2018, which caused extensive casualties.
Clashes between the White Army and government troops escalated around Nasir, near the Ethiopian border. The government has accused First Vice President Riek Machar’s party, which is aligned with the Nuer community, of collaborating with the White Army. However, Machar’s party has refuted these allegations. A recent U.N. helicopter attack on March 7 resulted in the deaths of several soldiers, including a general, heightening tensions in the area.
Information Minister Michael Makuei confirmed during a press conference that an airstrike occurred on Monday morning in Nasir. Community leader Kang Wan provided updates on the chaos, indicating that 15 individuals died immediately in the strike, with others succumbing to their injuries later. Eyewitness accounts described horrific scenes, with multiple bodies burned in the attack. Efforts by Médecins Sans Frontières reported treating patients from the airstrike; two of whom died from their severe injuries.
Commissioner James Gatluak Lew, supportive of Machar, indicated that the air force may have targeted locations in retaliation for the earlier helicopter incident. Meanwhile, Uganda has deployed special forces to Juba ostensibly to bolster security, yet the South Sudanese government has denied the presence of any Ugandan military personnel. Nevertheless, Makuei acknowledged that some Ugandan troops could be present to assist South Sudan’s national army as needed.
The airstrike in South Sudan represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the fragile stability in the region. Accusations between government forces and ethnic factions exacerbate the situation, bringing to light the potential for renewed civil war. The humanitarian crisis is deepening, with reports of casualties and injuries resulting from military actions. Furthermore, Uganda’s involvement raises questions about regional security dynamics.
Original Source: myind.net
