Airstrike in South Sudan’s Nasir Kills 19 Amid Rising Ethnic Violence

An airstrike by South Sudan’s air force killed at least 19 individuals in Nasir, amid ongoing ethnic tensions between national forces and the White Army. The government alleges corruption among political leaders linked to militia activities. Retaliatory actions following prior military confrontations further exacerbate the conflict.

An airstrike conducted by South Sudan’s air force resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals in Nasir, eastern South Sudan, according to local residents. This tragic event occurred less than two weeks after government forces retracted from the area following intense confrontations with the White Army, an ethno-militant group primarily composed of armed Nuer youths. The ongoing violence poses a risk of rekindling the civil war that lasted from 2013 to 2018, which cost numerous lives.

Tensions have heightened, with the government alleging that the party of First Vice President Riek Machar, a Nuer leader, is collaborating with the White Army. This group had previously allied with Machar’s forces during the civil war against President Salva Kiir’s predominantly Dinka troops. Machar’s party, however, has denied any involvement with the White Army in the recent clashes.

The situation escalated further when a UN helicopter, attempting to evacuate South Sudanese soldiers, was attacked, resulting in the deaths of approximately 27 soldiers, including a general, on March 7. Information Minister Michael Makuei confirmed in a news briefing that the air force carried out the bombing in Nasir on Monday morning.

Community leader Kang Wan reported that the airstrike occurred late Sunday night. Of the 19 victims, 15 were pronounced dead immediately, while others succumbed to their injuries later. Evidence reported by residents indicates that many bodies were severely burned. Furthermore, Médecins Sans Frontières indicated that three wounded individuals were admitted to their hospital in nearby Ulang, with two subsequently dying from extensive burn injuries.

James Gatluak Lew, the County Commissioner of Nasir and an ally of Riek Machar, suggested that the actions of the South Sudanese armed forces were likely in retaliation for the earlier helicopter attack. Meanwhile, Uganda recently announced the deployment of special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, ostensibly to secure the area. The South Sudanese government had denied any foreign troop presence, although Makuei later mentioned that certain Ugandan units were indeed in the country to assist the national army as needed.

The airstrike in Nasir highlights the ongoing violence and instability within South Sudan, particularly in areas affected by ethnic conflict. The situation remains tense as both government forces and ethnic militias continue to engage in violent confrontations. With allegations of collaboration between political leaders and militias, the potential for further escalation into civil war looms ominously. The involvement of foreign forces adds another layer of complexity to this troubling scenario.

Original Source: bdnews24.com