A South Sudan airstrike in Nasir resulted in at least 19 fatalities, escalating conflicts with the White Army militia. This attack, occurring shortly after the government withdrew troops, raises fears of reigniting civil war. The government blames Riek Machar’s faction for collaboration with the militia. Uganda has also deployed special forces amid rising tensions, complicating the situation further.
An airstrike in South Sudan’s eastern region of Nasir resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals, escalating conflicts with the White Army militia. This incident occurred shortly after government forces withdrew from the area amid rising tensions. The ongoing clashes between South Sudan’s national forces and the White Army, a loosely organized ethnic militia primarily composed of Nuer youths, pose a serious threat of reigniting the civil war that lasted from 2013 to 2018, claiming hundreds of thousands of lives.
The South Sudanese government has accused First Vice President Riek Machar’s faction, which represents the Nuer ethnic group, of collaborating with the White Army. This militia had previously supported Machar’s forces against the predominantly Dinka troops loyal to President Salva Kiir during the civil conflict. Machar’s party has publicly denied any involvement with the militia.
On March 7, an incident occurred where a U.N. helicopter attempting to evacuate approximately 27 soldiers from Nasir was attacked, resulting in the deaths of a South Sudanese general among the casualties. Following the airstrike, South Sudan’s Information Minister, Michael Makuei, confirmed that the airforce targeted Nasir in a bombing run.
Witnesses recounted the tragic aftermath of the airstrike, with community leader Kang Wan stating that 15 individuals were killed instantly, while others succumbed to their injuries. A local resident reported the sight of 16 bodies, noting severe burns on victims. Medecins Sans Frontieres confirmed that they received three wounded patients, among whom two succumbed to their injuries upon arrival due to extensive burns.
James Gatluak Lew, the Nasir County Commissioner and an ally of Machar, insinuated that the airstrike was likely a retaliatory action by the armed forces for the helicopter attack on March 7. In recent developments, Uganda deployed special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, citing the need for security. However, the South Sudanese government initially refuted claims of Ugandan troop presence, though Makuei acknowledged some Ugandan units were present to assist the national army as required.
The recent airstrike in South Sudan highlights the volatile situation in the region, particularly the resurgence of conflict involving the White Army militia and national forces. With increasing tensions and accusations of collaboration between ethnic factions, the potential for a renewed civil war remains a pressing concern. The involvement of external forces like Uganda illustrates the complexities of the conflict and the broader implications for regional security.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
