South Sudan Airstrike Claims Lives Amid Rising Tensions Near Ethiopia Border
A recent airstrike by South Sudan’s airforce in Nasir resulted in at least 19 fatalities, intensifying tensions between national forces and the White Army militia. This incident follows the government’s withdrawal of troops from the area and threatens to rekindle conflict similar to the 2013-2018 civil war. Accusations against First Vice President Riek Machar’s party have emerged, while foreign military presence raises concerns over the region’s stability.
Recent events in South Sudan have escalated tensions, culminating in an airstrike that claimed the lives of at least 19 individuals in Nasir. This incident occurred less than two weeks after government forces withdrew from the region amid ongoing clashes with the White Army militia, raising concerns over a potential resurgence of civil conflict in the nation.
The confrontation in Nasir, situated near the Ethiopian border, pits South Sudan’s national forces against the White Army, primarily composed of armed ethnic Nuer youth. This violence threatens to rekindle the civil war that ravaged South Sudan from 2013 to 2018, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of thousands. The government alleges that this militia is collaborating with First Vice President Riek Machar’s political faction, while Machar’s party firmly denies such accusations.
Significant losses were reported, including a South Sudanese general amongst the 27 soldiers killed when a U.N. helicopter was attacked while attempting to evacuate them from Nasir. Information Minister Michael Makuei confirmed that the airstrikes were executed on Monday morning, while community leader Kang Wan recounted the devastation, noting that out of the 19 fatalities, 15 were killed immediately and others later succumbed to their injuries. Residents reported seeing charred bodies at the scene.
Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) reported treating three wounded patients at its nearby Ulang hospital, though sadly, two passed away shortly after arrival due to severe burns. Local officials suggest the airstrike may have been an act of retaliation linked to the helicopter attack, adding to the complexities of the conflict.
Amid these developments, Uganda has announced the deployment of special forces to South Sudan’s capital Juba, a move that has been denied by the government. Nonetheless, Makuei acknowledged that some Ugandan military units are present, purportedly to assist the national army as required.
The airstrike in South Sudan has dramatically escalated ongoing clashes and raised the specter of renewed civil war, highlighting the fragility of peace in the region. The accusations of cooperation between political factions and militias further complicate the conflict. The involvement of both local and foreign military forces exacerbates the situation, illustrating the precariousness of stability in South Sudan amidst historical tensions.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
