Escalating Clashes Near Ethiopia Border Following South Sudan Airstrike

An airstrike by South Sudan’s airforce in the east has reportedly killed 19 people, following clashes between government troops and the White Army near Nasir. Accusations of collaboration between Riek Machar’s party and the White Army have intensified tensions reminiscent of the civil war. Health impacts are reported, with medical facilities treating severely injured victims. Uganda has also sent forces for security in South Sudan, despite government denials.

In eastern South Sudan, a recent airstrike by the South Sudanese airforce has reportedly resulted in the deaths of approximately 19 individuals, according to local sources. This military action took place shortly after government forces withdrew from the area due to ongoing conflicts with the White Army, an ethnic Nuer militia. Such developments raise concerns over the potential resurgence of the civil war, which previously inflicted significant casualties between 2013 and 2018.

The clashes occurred near Nasir, adjacent to the Ethiopian border, involving government forces and the White Army, composed largely of young Nuer men. Tensions have escalated as the government has accused First Vice President Riek Machar’s party of collaborating with the White Army. This group had allied with Machar’s forces during the earlier civil war against President Salva Kiir’s mainly Dinka troops. Machar’s party, however, has refuted these accusations.

On March 7, a UN helicopter attack reportedly killed a South Sudanese general and around 27 soldiers while attempting to evacuate from Nasir. Following this incident, government’s Information Minister, Michael Makuei, confirmed that a bombing in Nasir had occurred, with community leader Kang Wan clarifying it transpired late on Sunday night. Of the deceased, 15 perished on the spot while others succumbed to injuries later.

Reports from residents highlight the severity of the airstrike, with medical professionals from Doctors Without Borders indicating that their facility in Ulang treated three crash victims, two of whom died shortly after arrival due to extensive burns. Nasir County Commissioner, James Gatluak Lew, posited that the airstrike could be a retaliatory action for the earlier helicopter incident.

Amidst these tensions, Uganda has deployed special forces to South Sudan’s capital, Juba, to assist with security measures. However, the South Sudanese government contended that no Ugandan troops are in the country. Nonetheless, Makuei acknowledged the presence of some Ugandan army units as support for the South Sudanese national army as required.

The recent airstrike by South Sudan’s airforce represents a significant escalation in hostilities, with potential implications for the stability of the region. The ongoing conflict among various factions, alongside past grievances from the civil war, highlights the fragility of peace in South Sudan. The presence of Ugandan forces also raises questions about regional security dynamics, indicating a complex interplay of local and international military involvement.

Original Source: myind.net