South Sudan Airstrike Claims 19 Lives Amid Escalating Clashes with Militia

A South Sudan airstrike in Nasir resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals, escalating tensions with the White Army militia. This incident occurred shortly after government forces retreated from the area, raising fears of a renewed civil war. Accusations against First Vice President Riek Machar’s party intensify the conflict, while Uganda’s military presence adds to regional instability.

The recent airstrike conducted by South Sudan’s airforce in Nasir resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals. This military action escalated tensions with the White Army militia, raising concerns of a potential resurgence of civil conflict. The attack occurred shortly after government forces were withdrawn from the region due to ongoing violent confrontations with this ethnic militia.

The clashes in Nasir, located near the Ethiopian border, involved national forces and the White Army, which is largely composed of armed Nuer youths. This conflict may reignite the devastating civil war that lasted from 2013 to 2018, resulting in significant loss of life. The government has accused First Vice President Riek Machar and his party of collusion with the White Army, a claim they vehemently deny.

Moreover, a tragic incident on March 7 claimed the lives of approximately 27 soldiers when a U.N. helicopter attempting to evacuate them was attacked. In a press conference, South Sudan’s Information Minister Michael Makuei confirmed that an airstrike targeted Nasir on Monday morning. Local leader Kang Wan reported that the fatalities included fifteen individuals who died instantly from the bombardment, while others succumbed to their injuries afterward.

Medical assistance from Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) indicated that their hospital in Ulang treated three wounded patients from Nasir, with two succumbing due to severe burns upon arrival. James Gatluak Lew, the County Commissioner of Nasir and an ally of Machar, suggested that the military operation was retaliatory in nature, avenging the helicopter attack.

In a broader context, Uganda has recently deployed special forces in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, purportedly for security purposes, a claim the South Sudanese government initially denied. Nonetheless, Makuei later acknowledged the presence of some Ugandan troops in the country to support the national forces as required.

The airstrike in South Sudan has prompted grave concerns regarding escalating violence and the risk of renewed civil war. With accusations of collusion between political figures and ethnic militias, coupled with military actions from neighboring nations, the situation remains precarious. A swift resolution is imperative to prevent further loss of life and to stabilize the region amidst rising tensions and ethnic conflicts.

Original Source: www.indiatoday.in