Deadly Airstrike in South Sudan’s Nasir Town Claims 19 Lives

An airstrike in Nasir, South Sudan, led to at least 19 casualties, occurring after recent militant clashes. Accusations against Riek Machar’s political party of collusion with the assailants add to existing tensions. Humanitarian responses are crucial as the situation remains fraught with risk and instability.

An airstrike conducted by South Sudan’s air force resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals in Nasir, situated in the eastern region of the country. This tragic event occurred shortly after government forces retreated from the area amidst a resurgence of violence involving an ethnic militia known as the White Army. Reports indicate that this group largely consists of armed youths from the ethnic Nuer community and had previously engaged in intense confrontations with national forces, raising concerns of a potential rekindling of the civil war that lasted from 2013 to 2018.

Accusations have surfaced against the party of First Vice President Riek Machar, a member of the Nuer ethnic group, for allegedly colluding with the White Army, which had been allied with Machar’s troops during the previous civil conflict against the predominantly Dinka forces loyal to President Salva Kiir. Machar’s party has firmly denied these claims, asserting their non-involvement in the current violence.

Notably, a recent incident on March 7 led to the deaths of approximately 27 soldiers, including a South Sudanese general, during an attack on a U.N. helicopter tasked with evacuating them from Nasir. Information Minister Michael Makuei confirmed the airstrike on Nasir, stating it occurred on Monday morning, while community leader Kang Wan reported that the attack took place late Sunday night, with 15 individuals dying immediately and several more succumbing to their injuries later.

Eyewitnesses described the horrific scene, with Wan stating that “all of them they got burned, everything got burned.” Additionally, Medecins Sans Frontieres revealed that its hospital in Ulang treated three wounded patients from Nasir, with two tragically declared dead on arrival due to severe burns sustained from the airstrike.

James Gatluak Lew, the Nasir County Commissioner affiliated with Machar, speculated that the airstrike was a retaliatory act by the South Sudanese armed forces following the helicopter ambush. In a related development, Uganda disclosed the deployment of special forces in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, for security purposes, although this was denied by the South Sudanese government. However, Makuei subsequently acknowledged the presence of certain Ugandan army units in the country, indicating their role in supporting the national army as needed.

The airstrike in Nasir, resulting in at least 19 fatalities, underscores the volatile security situation in South Sudan following recent ethnic clashes. Accusations of political collaboration complicate the strained relations between government forces and various factions. As humanitarian efforts continue, the involvement of foreign troops raises further questions about regional stability and the persistent challenges facing South Sudan.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com