The White Army has claimed control of Nasir, South Sudan, after clashes with the SSPDF. The group reported substantial military successes, including the capture of arms and facilities. While government sources confirm ongoing fighting, official casualty figures remain unclear. This incident raises alarms about escalating turmoil in Upper Nile State, which has faced instability for years.
The militia group identified as the White Army has declared its control over the critical town of Nasir in Upper Nile State, South Sudan. This assertion followed a series of intense confrontations with government forces, specifically the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). Ter Chuol Gatkuoth, a leader within the White Army, stated that the armed youth managed to oust government troops from the area after extensive clashes that began earlier in the day.
Gatkuoth elaborated on the group’s success, asserting they have taken over military positions and seized substantial weaponry. “We clashed with government soldiers this morning and chased them away. They are now in the bushes,” said Gatkuoth. He mentioned significant casualties on both sides, reporting over twenty fatalities among White Army fighters, although he lacked precise details on SSPDF losses.
James Basha, the Information Minister for Upper Nile State, corroborated reports of ongoing fighting in Nasir, though he indicated that specific casualty figures were still being gathered. According to him, the conflict escalated on Tuesday morning and the White Army has succeeded in capturing part of the barracks previously held by the military.
The SSPDF has yet to issue an official response regarding the situation in Nasir. SSPDF spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang communicated via his social media platform that the army was currently unable to provide an update on the security conditions in Nasir and its neighboring areas.
Nasir’s strategic significance, located near the Ethiopian border, has made it a site of repeated conflicts in South Sudan’s ongoing civil strife. The White Army has been notably active in previous uprisings, often marked by ethnic violence and confrontations with governmental forces. Their recent advancement heightens concerns regarding the potential for increased violence and instability in Upper Nile State, a region fraught with unrest since 2013.
In summary, the White Army’s claim of control over Nasir marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict in South Sudan. With intense fighting resulting in casualties on both sides, the situation remains fluid and alarming. The impact of this confrontation on the stability of Upper Nile State and broader implications for the country’s civil unrest continues to be a focal point of concern as authorities work to assess the situation.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
