Airstrike in Nasir Intensifies South Sudan Tensions Between Factions
An airstrike in Nasir, South Sudan, resulted in civilian casualties and fires amid rising tensions between President Kiir’s and Vice President Machar’s factions. Accusations against the SSPDF for retaliation and reports of further bombings have intensified fears of renewed conflict, compromising the fragile unity government.
On Sunday evening, an airstrike in the town of Nasir, Upper Nile State, South Sudan, resulted in civilian casualties and extensive property damage amid rising tensions between President Salva Kiir’s forces and those loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar. County Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep reported that multiple bombs were dropped on the town around 11:40 pm, igniting significant fires and causing injuries. While the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, some victims were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Commissioner Gatluak, aligned with Machar, accused the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) of conducting the attack as revenge for prior clashes in the region. He also noted that Longechuk County experienced bombing on the same day, but further details were not available.
Witnesses described extensive fires consuming homes and vegetation, corroborated by local armed youth commander Tet Chuol Gatkuoth, who confirmed the bombing but stated that damage assessments were still ongoing. Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the SSPDF, was unavailable for comment at the time.
This airstrike occurred in the context of escalating hostilities, following Defence Minister Gen. Chol Thon Balok’s claims to retake Nasir after the death of an SSPDF commander during a U.N. evacuation attempt earlier in March. The strategic town, recently captured by the White Army militia, has become a central flashpoint amid fears of renewed conflict between the factions, exacerbating already fragile relations fostered by the 2018 peace agreement.
The recent bombing in Nasir serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions between rival factions in South Sudan. As civilian casualties mount and accusations of retaliatory strikes surface, the prospect of renewed conflict becomes increasingly plausible, particularly in light of recent military developments and historic grievances between the leaders. The stability of the fragile unity government remains precarious, with further escalation threatening the peace established by the 2018 deal.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
