Airstrikes have been reported in South Sudan’s Upper Nile region amid heightened tensions between government forces and armed civilian groups, also known as the White Army.
Local residents told Radio Tamazuj that the first airstrike occurred at around 8 am in Doma Payam, Ulang County, targeting positions held by armed civilians. Later in the afternoon, a second phase of air attacks was reported in Chuil Payam, Nyirol County, Jonglei State, near the Sobat River.
No casualties have been reported so far from either incident.
The security situation in Upper Nile has been volatile since mid-February, when clashes erupted between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the White Army in Nasir County. The fighting, which took place on the outskirts of Nasir town, left five people dead and several others injured. Many residents have since fled, leaving the area largely deserted.
Tensions were further inflamed after the government decided to deploy new forces to Nasir to rotate troops stationed in the area for several years. The move has sparked unease among locals, who fear the incoming forces may target civilians or initiate a disarmament campaign.
The local community has rejected the deployment, which includes SSPDF troops and elements of the Agwelek group led by General Johnson Olony. Instead, they are calling for the deployment of the Necessary Unified Force, as outlined in the 2018 peace agreement.
Armed youth in Nasir and Ulang counties are reportedly preparing to confront the advancing government forces in Baliet County, raising fears of further violence.
Ceasefire violation allegations
The Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) has accused the SSPDF of violating the ceasefire by bombing what it claims were SPLA-IO assembly areas in Doma Payam.
In a statement seen by Radio Tamazuj, SPLA-IO spokesperson Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel said the situation, initially intended as a peaceful troop rotation, had turned violent.
For its part, the SSPDF has defended its actions. Major General Lul Ruai Koang, the SSPDF spokesperson, confirmed that aerial surveillance was deployed on Tuesday morning, identifying what he described as two significant columns of SPLA-IO and White Army forces advancing towards Gelachel and Baliet Town.
“The SSPDF is ready to engage the advancing forces to protect civilians and property,” Lul said. He warned “hostile forces” to halt their movements and retreat, cautioning that failure to comply could result in pre-emptive airstrikes and ground engagements.
Lul reiterated the SSPDF’s commitment to protecting civilians but emphasized that the army would act decisively if provoked.