Airstrike in Nasir Escalates Conflict between Kiir and Machar Factions
An airstrike in Nasir, South Sudan, resulted in civilian casualties and property damage amidst rising tensions between forces of President Kiir and First Vice President Machar. Local officials accused the national army of retaliation for recent clashes, escalating fears of renewed conflict in the region.
An airstrike occurred late Sunday in Nasir, located in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State, resulting in civilian damage and casualties, as reported by local officials and witnesses. This attack exacerbates the ongoing tensions between President Salva Kiir’s forces and rival factions allied with First Vice President Riek Machar.
According to Nasir County Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep, multiple bombs were dropped by a military aircraft around 11:40 PM, which led to substantial fires and damage to properties. He emphasized that while casualties were reported, the exact numbers remain unclear as victims were transported to hospitals.
Gatluak accused the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) of executing the strike as revenge for recent confrontations in the area. He further indicated that Longechuk County also experienced bombings that day, but further information was not available.
A video reviewed by Radio Tamazuj depicted raging flames consuming buildings in Nasir. Local armed youth commander Tet Chuol Gatkuoth confirmed the bombing and stated that damage assessments were still pending.
SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang was unavailable for comment at the time of reporting. The airstrike ensued after several days of increased hostilities, with Defence Minister Gen. Chol Thon Balok proclaiming intentions to reclaim Nasir during a recent funeral for a commander killed during a failed U.N. evacuation on March 7.
Strategically positioned near the Ethiopian border, Nasir was captured by the White Army, a militia associated with Machar, on March 4. This incident raises concerns over renewed conflict between Kiir and Machar, who had previously engaged in a civil war from 2013 to 2018, resulting in a high death toll. The precarious unity government formed under a 2018 peace agreement is increasingly strained by recent violence and arrests of Machar’s affiliates in Juba.
In summary, the airstrike in Nasir highlights the ongoing conflict in South Sudan, intensifying the already fragile relations between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar. The reported civilian casualties and property damage further indicate the severe implications of military escalation. With the history of conflict between the rival factions, these events raise significant concerns regarding the stability of the region and the unity government established under previous peace agreements.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
