Airstrike in Nasir Claims Lives of 21 Civilians Amid Rising Tensions

An airstrike in Nasir resulted in the deaths of at least 21 civilians, including women and children. Local officials attribute the attack to SSPDF and UPDF, with escalating tensions in the area. Civil society experts are calling for an immediate ceasefire and greater accountability. The violence follows recent military operations and political strife between rival factions in South Sudan.

On Sunday night, an airstrike in Nasir, Upper Nile state, resulted in the deaths of at least 21 civilians, including two women and two children. Local officials and witnesses cited the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) as responsible for the attack, which targeted residential areas and led to significant destruction.

According to Ter Chuol Gatkuoth, a commander of the White Army, many victims were “burned to death” from the multiple bombings. He remarked that, “Yesterday, 17 people died on the spot after the bombing, and five were injured. However, now only one injured person remains alive, as the rest succumbed to their injuries.” Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep confirmed these figures and stated that bombardments resumed shortly after the initial attack, targeting the area of Ngueny Boma in Koat Payam.

The Nasir Commissioner highlighted the urgency for the national government to establish a solution and foster lasting peace, underscoring the necessity of dialogue to address national issues. Following the incident, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, announced via social media that Ugandan troops had initiated operations in South Sudan to “support” the government of President Salva Kiir amid escalating instability.

This bombing has exacerbated tensions in Nasir, a strategically significant border town with Ethiopia, previously captured by the White Army. The militia has been accused of having affiliations with Riek Machar, Kiir’s political rival. The civil war between forces loyal to these two leaders resulted in approximately 400,000 fatalities between 2013 and 2018. Civil society activist Edmund Yakani has called for a ceasefire and urged for peace monitors to examine the incident, stating that “crimes against humanity are unfolding in plain sight.”

This violence is a continuation of the threats announced by South Sudan’s Defence Minister, Gen. Chol Thon Balok, to reclaim Nasir after recent SSPDF casualties. The SSPDF has not provided any comments regarding this situation as of now.

The recent airstrike in Nasir has deeply affected the civilian population, killing at least 21 individuals and raising concerns about ongoing violence in the region. The involvement of the SSPDF and UPDF, along with escalating tensions, underscores the urgent need for dialogue and accountability to address such humanitarian crises. The situation calls for immediate action from both national and international communities to prevent further violence and ensure the protection of civilians.

Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org