BY LISA NYAMBURA
A South Sudanese general and at least 27 soldiers were killed on Friday when a United Nations helicopter attempting to evacuate them from Nasir town came under attack, the government confirmed.
The United Nations strongly condemned the incident, calling it “utterly abhorrent” and a potential war crime.
The UN crew was airlifting troops following clashes between national forces and the White Army militia, which the government has linked to First Vice President Riek Machar’s faction.
President Salva Kiir, in a national address, announced the death of General Majur Dak and his troops, stating that Machar had assured him of their safety before the evacuation.
However, the helicopter was attacked under unclear circumstances.
UNMISS chief Nicholas Haysom called for an investigation, emphasizing that targeting peacekeepers and those under UN protection violates international law.
The attack comes amid heightened political tensions in Juba, where security forces have detained senior officials allied with Machar.
Analysts warn that escalating violence could undermine the fragile 2018 peace deal.
Despite the unrest, Kiir insisted that South Sudan will not return to war, while the UN urged leaders to engage in dialogue to prevent further instability.
