In the latest escalation of violence in South Sudan, an airstrike by the country's air force killed at least 19 people in Nasir, a town near the Ethiopian border, residents have reported. The airstrike took place just weeks after government troops withdrew from the area following fierce clashes with an ethnic militia known as the White Army. This latest attack has raised concerns about the resurgence of the devastating 2013-2018 civil war, which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.
Rising Tensions in Nasir: A New Chapter in the South Sudan Conflict
The conflict in Nasir, between South Sudan’s national forces and the White Army—a loosely organized militia primarily composed of armed Nuer youths—has led to significant casualties. The White Army is a key player in the ongoing violence, and its clashes with the South Sudanese army have reignited fears of widespread instability. These tensions are particularly alarming as they echo the events leading up to the country’s previous civil war.
The government of South Sudan has accused the party of First Vice President Riek Machar, who hails from the Nuer ethnic group, of collaborating with the White Army. During the civil war, the White Army fought alongside Machar’s forces, which were mainly opposed to the Dinka troops loyal to President Salva Kiir. However, Machar’s party has consistently denied any involvement with the White Army in the current conflict.
The Airstrike and Its Aftermath
The airstrike, which occurred late on Sunday night, left 19 people dead, with many of the victims suffering severe burns. According to local leaders, 15 people died immediately from the strike, while the remaining casualties succumbed to their wounds later. Witnesses reported seeing a horrific scene, with bodies burned beyond recognition.
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Medical Response:
Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) confirmed that three wounded individuals from Nasir were brought to a hospital in nearby Ulang on Monday morning. Unfortunately, two of them were declared dead upon arrival due to the severity of their burns. -
Local Community Impact:
Kang Wan, a community leader in Nasir, stated that the airstrike had a devastating effect on the town. "All of them got burned, everything got burned," Wan said, describing the horrific scenes in the aftermath.
The Helicopter Attack and Retaliation
This latest airstrike is believed to be a retaliatory move following the attack on a UN helicopter in Nasir on March 7. The helicopter had been attempting to evacuate soldiers from the area when it came under attack, resulting in the deaths of around 27 soldiers, including a South Sudanese general. This escalation has further intensified the conflict, with the South Sudanese armed forces reportedly seeking revenge for the helicopter attack.
Regional Involvement: The Role of Uganda
In the midst of growing violence, Uganda has made its presence known in South Sudan. The Ugandan government announced that it had deployed special forces in the South Sudanese capital of Juba to "secure" the area. Although South Sudan initially denied the presence of Ugandan troops, Information Minister Michael Makuei later acknowledged that some Ugandan army units were in the country, offering support to the South Sudanese national army according to their needs.
A Grim Outlook: The Risk of Renewed Civil War
The violence in Nasir and surrounding areas has brought the possibility of renewed civil war into sharp focus. The initial conflict between the South Sudanese government forces and the White Army has already had devastating consequences, and the involvement of external forces, such as Uganda, adds a complex layer to the situation. The international community watches with concern as the violence threatens to spiral out of control once again.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the people of South Sudan remain caught in the crossfire, with many fearing that the country is on the brink of a new chapter of devastating war.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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