A U.N. helicopter in South Sudan was attacked while attempting to evacuate troops, resulting in one crew member’s and several soldiers’ deaths, including a general. The incident occurred amid clashes between government forces and the White Army militia. The U.N. condemns the attack as abhorrent and calls for an investigation.
On Friday, a United Nations helicopter aimed at evacuating South Sudanese troops was targeted in Nasir, resulting in the death of one crew member and several soldiers, including a general. The U.N. mission reported that this incident occurred amid significant clashes between national forces and the White Army militia, which the South Sudanese government has associated with opposition forces loyal to First Vice President Riek Machar.
Nicholas Haysom, the Head of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), condemned the attack, characterizing it as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime under international law. He expressed regret over the loss of life during the attempted extraction, particularly as assurances of safe passage were previously given. Haysom called for a thorough investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible.
Although calls to the government’s spokesperson, Michael Makuei, went unanswered, President Salva Kiir’s office indicated that the president would deliver a national address on the same day. The conflict in Nasir reflects ongoing tensions, particularly between the Nuer ethnic group, aligned with Machar, and the Dinka troops loyal to Kiir. In light of recent arrests of senior military officials associated with Machar, concerns about the stability of South Sudan’s peace process are escalating.
The White Army’s involvement in past civil wars, along with ongoing hostilities, suggests a complex and fragile political landscape, which poses risks to the nation’s fragile peace. Machar’s party has denied any involvement in the recent fighting, complicating the narrative surrounding the incident.
This tragic event underscores the volatile situation in South Sudan, highlighting the perilous challenges faced by the U.N. in conflict zones. The deaths of both the crew member and soldiers serve as a grim reminder of the ongoing instability in the region. Calls for investigation into the attack reflect a broader need for accountability within the conflict as South Sudan’s political landscape remains precarious.
Original Source: www.newsbreak.com
