Airstrike in South Sudan Claims 19 Lives as Tensions Rise

An airstrike by the South Sudan airforce in Nasir claimed at least 19 lives just weeks after governmental withdrawal from conflict with the White Army. The incident has revived fears of renewed civil strife and allegations of political collusion among factions. Information Minister Michael Makuei confirmed the airstrike while community accounts detailed the horrific aftermath.

On March 17, 2025, an airstrike by South Sudan’s airforce resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals in the eastern town of Nasir, according to local residents. This incident occurred shortly after government forces withdrew from the area amidst ongoing conflict with the White Army, an ethnic militia comprised mainly of Nuer youths. The fighting had previously raised concerns about a resurgence of civil war, reminiscent of the turmoil experienced from 2013 to 2018.

The National government asserts that the party of First Vice President Riek Machar, who belongs to the Nuer ethnic group, collaborated with the White Army, which had allied with Makhar’s forces against the Dinka troops loyal to President Salva Kiir during the civil conflict. However, Machar’s party has denied any such involvement.

A South Sudanese general was reported among nearly 27 soldiers killed when a UN helicopter, attempting to evacuate them on March 7, was attacked. Regarding the airstrike that targeted Nasir, Information Minister Michael Makuei confirmed the incident during a news conference, stating that the bombing occurred Monday morning. Community leader Kang Wan reported that while 15 individuals perished instantly from the strike, others eventually succumbed to injuries.

Residents described the aftermath, highlighting extensive destruction: “All of them they got burned, everything got burned,” Wan informed Reuters by phone. Additionally, Médecins Sans Frontières indicated that their hospital in Ulang received three patients from Nasir on the same day; two of these patients were pronounced dead upon arrival due to severe burns.

Commissioner James Gatluak Lew of Nasir County, an ally of Machar, suggested that the airstrike may have been retaliatory, linked to the prior helicopter incident. In related geopolitical news, Uganda announced the deployment of special forces to Juba, South Sudan’s capital, ostensibly for security purposes, despite government denials regarding the presence of foreign troops. Makuei later acknowledged that some Ugandan troops were present in support of the national army.

The airstrike in Nasir highlights ongoing tensions in South Sudan, particularly involving ethnic divisions and military confrontations. The deaths resulting from the bombardment have raised alarms about potential escalation of violence in the region, where a fragile peace remains. Furthermore, the situation underscores the complexities of South Sudan’s political landscape, marked by historical grievances and foreign involvement.

Original Source: bdnews24.com