News Desk: Aerial bombardments in Nasir County, South Sudan, have resulted in the deaths of at least 21 civilians, including children, according to local officials. The attacks, which occurred on the night of March 16, 2025, have drawn international concern and raised fears of escalating violence in the region.

Attack Details

Commissioner Gatluak Lew Thiep reported that the airstrike targeted residential areas around 11:30 p.m., catching many civilians while they were asleep. The assault, attributed to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), led to the destruction of numerous homes and resulted in 16 immediate fatalities. Five individuals were transported to Ulang Hospital, where one died en route, and three others succumbed to their injuries upon arrival. The sole survivor remains in critical condition. Among the deceased were 23 individuals, including three children under five, two women, and 15 men, 14 of whom were teenagers.

Response from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

The MSF hospital in Ulang confirmed receiving three wounded patients from Nasir on March 17. Two of these patients were declared dead on arrival due to severe burns, while one is currently undergoing treatment. Since the beginning of March, the Ulang facility has treated a total of 23 wounded patients from Nasir.

Government’s Position and Civilian Evacuation Orders

In a press conference on March 17, Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth acknowledged the airstrike in Nasir and issued a stern warning to civilians in military zones. He stated that any civilian in a military zone refusing to vacate “will be treated accordingly,” emphasizing that the army would continue its operations. The government has been engaged in clashes with the White Army, an armed group accused of overrunning a military base and attacking a U.N. helicopter in the area. These attacks have threatened the 2018 peace deal between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, which ended a five-year civil war.

International Concerns

The United Nations has condemned the attack on the UNMISS helicopter in Nasir, labeling it “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime. The UN mission in South Sudan has urged all parties to refrain from further violence and to seek a peaceful resolution to the escalating tensions.

The situation in Nasir remains volatile, with ongoing airstrikes and military operations. The international community continues to monitor the developments closely, urging all parties to prioritize the safety and well-being of civilians and to adhere to international humanitarian laws.