A U.N. helicopter in South Sudan was attacked while evacuating troops, resulting in one crew member and several soldiers’ deaths. The incident raised concerns about potential war crimes and has heightened existing tensions within the country. UNMISS urged an investigation, while the government faces scrutiny over recent arrests of officials tied to the opposition.
A United Nations helicopter was attacked in Nasir, South Sudan, on Friday while attempting to evacuate South Sudanese troops after heavy clashes between national forces and the White Army militia. The incident resulted in the death of a crew member and several soldiers, including a high-ranking general. Violent engagements in the region have been intense, with President Salva Kiir’s government linking the militia to forces loyal to Vice President Riek Machar.
Nicholas Haysom, the head of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), condemned the attack, describing it as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially constituting a war crime under international law. He also expressed regret over the fatalities of the soldiers who the mission was attempting to extract, noting they had received assurances of safe passage. Haysom called for an investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
While attempts to contact government spokesperson Michael Makuei remained unanswered, Kiir’s office stated that the president would address the nation later that day. Tensions intensified with reports of arrests of several senior officials aligned with Machar, stirring concerns about the stability of the fragile peace process within the nation. Machar’s party denied involvement in the fighting in Nasir.
The recent attack on a U.N. helicopter in South Sudan highlights the ongoing violence and instability in the region, as efforts to maintain peace are undermined by clashes between armed groups. The UNMISS leader’s call for an investigation emphasizes the need for accountability in conflicts characterized by rising tensions between rival factions. The situation remains precarious, intensified by the recent arrests of military officials, which could further jeopardize the fragile peace framework in the country.
Original Source: www.newsbreak.com
