A U.N. helicopter in South Sudan was attacked while attempting to evacuate troops, resulting in the death of a crew member and several soldiers, including a general. The UNMISS condemned the violence, urging an investigation while expressing regret over the fatalities. The ongoing unrest in the region raises concerns about South Sudan’s fragile peace amid political tensions and recent arrests of officials allied with Riek Machar.
A United Nations helicopter was targeted by gunfire while attempting to evacuate South Sudanese troops in Nasir, leading to the tragic deaths of one crew member and several soldiers, including a general. This incident followed violent confrontations between government forces and the White Army militia, a group aligned with political rival Riek Machar. The U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) condemned the attack, asserting that it “may constitute a war crime under international law.”
Nicholas Haysom, the head of UNMISS, expressed deep regret for the fatalities during the attempted extraction, emphasizing that assurances of safe passage had been provided. UNMISS is demanding a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable. The government’s spokesperson did not respond to requests for comment, although President Salva Kiir is scheduled to address the nation.
The White Army, primarily composed of the Nuer ethnic group, has historical ties to Machar’s forces from the civil conflict that raged from 2013 to 2018. Simultaneously, the recent arrest of high-ranking officials associated with Machar has heightened concerns regarding the stability of South Sudan’s fragile peace. While the government has not publicly addressed these detentions, Machar’s party denies involvement in the Nasir skirmishes.
The UN helicopter attack in South Sudan highlights continuing violence in a region fraught with political strife. With assurances of safe passage disregarded, this incident not only claimed lives but also underscores the fragility of the ongoing peace process. As further investigations are called upon, the international community watches closely to assess the ramifications of these developments on South Sudan’s stability.
Original Source: www.newsbreak.com
