White Army Claims Control of Nasir Town Following Clashes with SSPDF

The White Army has taken control of Nasir in Upper Nile State after clashes with government forces. Ter Chuol Gatkuoth, a leader of the group, claimed to have driven out the SSPDF and taken military equipment. The SSPDF has not confirmed details of the situation, indicating ongoing violence in a region marked by conflict since 2013.

The militia group known as the White Army has reportedly gained control of the town of Nasir in Upper Nile State, South Sudan, following intense clashes with government forces. This announcement was made on Tuesday by the group, primarily composed of armed Nuer youth, who claimed to have driven out the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) after several hours of fighting.

Ter Chuol Gatkuoth, a leader of the White Army, informed Radio Tamazuj that the armed youth managed to oust government troops from the town. He stated, “We clashed with government soldiers this morning and chased them away. They are now in the bushes.” Gatkuoth also claimed that the White Army had taken over local military barracks and seized equipment from the SSPDF.

The leader further reported that the fighting led to considerable casualties, with over 20 White Army fighters lost; however, he was unable to provide specific figures regarding SSPDF casualties. Upper Nile State Information Minister James Basha confirmed ongoing fighting in Nasir and acknowledged casualties but emphasized that details were still being verified.

The SSPDF has yet to release an official statement regarding the situation. In a brief post on Facebook, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang indicated that the army was not in a position to issue a media briefing concerning the security conditions in Nasir and nearby areas.

The strategic location of Nasir near the Ethiopian border has made it a focal point for unrest in South Sudan. The White Army, known for its role in previous conflicts and ethnic violence, has raised concerns among observers about the potential for escalating violence in the already unstable Upper Nile State since the civil conflict began in 2013.

The White Army’s claim of control over Nasir signifies a troubling escalation in violence within South Sudan’s Upper Nile State. This situation reflects the ongoing instability in the region, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and potential conflict resolution strategies. As both sides account for casualties, the absence of a formal response from the SSPDF adds to the uncertainty surrounding the conflict.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org