A U.N. helicopter was hit in Nasir, South Sudan, leading to the death of a crew member and several soldiers. The operation aimed to evacuate troops amid clashes with the White Army militia. UNMISS condemned the attack as a potential war crime, calling for an investigation. Meanwhile, tensions have escalated with arrests of senior officials allied with Machar, risking the fragile peace process.
On Friday, a United Nations helicopter in South Sudan was targeted while attempting to evacuate national troops in Nasir, resulting in the death of a crew member and multiple soldiers, including a general. The U.N. operation aimed to airlift soldiers amidst intense clashes between government forces and the White Army militia, which the government associates with the opposition led by First Vice President Riek Machar.
Nicholas Haysom, head of the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), condemned the attack, calling it “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime under international law. He expressed sorrow regarding the loss of life among those intended for extraction, especially after assurances of safe passage were provided. UNMISS has called for an investigation into the incident.
Government officials, including Information Minister Michael Makuei, did not respond to inquiries regarding the incident. Nonetheless, President Salva Kiir’s office announced that he would address the nation later that afternoon. The White Army, primarily composed of the Nuer ethnic group, has a history of conflict alongside Machar’s forces during the 2013-2018 civil war against troops loyal to Kiir.
Amidst escalating tensions, Machar’s spokesman disclosed that security forces detained several high-ranking officials, including the petroleum and peacebuilding ministers and the deputy army chief, intensifying concerns regarding the precarious state of the peace process. The government has not provided responses regarding these detentions, and Machar’s faction has denied any involvement in the hostilities in Nasir.
The recent attack on a U.N. helicopter in South Sudan has resulted in significant casualties, highlighting ongoing instability and violence in the region. The condemnation from UNMISS emphasizes the need for accountability. Furthermore, the arrest of key officials linked to First Vice President Riek Machar raises further alarms about the nation’s fragile peace process. It is imperative that the situation be closely monitored to prevent further escalation.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
