An airstrike in Nasir town killed 21 civilians, prompting accusations against the South Sudan and Uganda forces. Eyewitnesses report devastating damage following the attack. Local officials call for peace and accountability while tensions in the area escalate due to ongoing military operations.
On a somber Sunday night, an airstrike in Nasir town, situated within Upper Nile State, resulted in the tragic deaths of 21 civilians, including two women and two children, as reported by local officials and residents. Witnesses have attributed the attack to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) alongside the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), indicating that the bombardment primarily targeted residential areas, culminating in substantial destruction of homes.
Ter Chuol Gatkuoth, a commander from the White Army, described the horrifying aftermath, stating that the victims “were burned to death” as numerous bombs impacted the town. Initially, 17 individuals perished immediately post-bombing, while five sustained injuries; however, only one injured person remains alive now due to the critical nature of their wounds, thus confirming the total death toll at 21.
Gatluak Lew Thiep, the Nasir County Commissioner, corroborated the casualty figures and informed that bombardments resumed shortly after the initial attack, now targeting Ngueny Boma in Koat Payam. He indicated challenges in assessing the full impact and casualties due to mobile network outages in the area.
In light of these events, Commissioner Lew called upon the national government to pursue solutions and facilitate lasting peace, underscoring the necessity of dialogue to address national conflicts. Moreover, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, confirmed operations by Ugandan troops in South Sudan aimed at “supporting” President Salva Kiir’s government amid escalating instability.
Tensions in Nasir have escalated sharply—this strategic border town with Ethiopia was overtaken by the White Army on March 4, which has faced accusations from Kiir’s administration regarding its connections with Riek Machar, the First Vice President. Past conflicts between the forces of these leaders led to a devastating civil war that claimed approximately 400,000 lives.
Edmund Yakani, a notable civil society activist, has advocated for an urgent ceasefire and for peace monitors to scrutinize the offensive, emphasizing, “Crimes against humanity are unfolding in plain sight,” as he called for accountability in the face of these atrocities. The violence has erupted following the Defence Minister’s pledge to reconquer Nasir, a decision spurred by casualties resulting from a failed UN evacuation on March 7.
The recent airstrike in Nasir has left behind a dreadful toll of civilian lives, raising critical concerns over accountability and the need for immediate peace initiatives. Local authorities and activists alike are calling for peace monitoring and a ceasefire to address the escalating violence. With tensions rising in the region, it remains imperative for both national and international actors to facilitate dialogue and pursue sustainable conflict resolution.
Original Source: www.radiotamazuj.org
