A United Nations helicopter evacuation mission in South Sudan turned deadly on Friday when it came under attack, leading to the deaths of a senior military general and dozens of soldiers. The incident, which occurred in the northern town of Nasir, has been condemned by the United Nations as “utterly abhorrent” and potentially a war crime.
According to the South Sudanese government, the helicopter was attempting to airlift national forces following intense clashes in Nasir between government troops and the White Army militia. The militia, which has links to First Vice President Riek Machar’s forces, has been engaged in recent violent confrontations with national troops.
General Majur Dak was among those killed in the attack. President Salva Kiir, in a national address, stated that Machar had assured both the government and the U.N. that Dak and his troops would be safely evacuated. However, the mission turned tragic when the helicopter was attacked, though it remains unclear whether the strike occurred while the aircraft was airborne or still on the ground.
Information Minister Michael Makuei reported that around 27 troops were killed, including a member of the U.N. crew. U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) chief Nicholas Haysom described the attack as a possible war crime under international law and urged a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable.
Machar’s spokesman, Puok Both Baluang, declined to comment on the attack, and Machar’s party has previously denied involvement in the Nasir clashes. Meanwhile, tensions within the government have escalated following the recent arrests of senior officials, including the petroleum minister, peacebuilding minister, and a deputy army chief, all linked to Machar’s faction. These arrests threaten the fragile 2018 peace deal that ended South Sudan’s five-year civil war.
Despite the growing unrest, President Kiir reiterated that the country would not return to full-scale conflict. However, analysts warn that the escalating hostilities could spark a broader crisis. The U.N. has called on all parties to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to prevent further violence in Nasir and beyond.
South Sudan, which has been formally at peace since 2018, continues to experience sporadic conflicts, particularly along ethnic lines. UNMISS, established after South Sudan gained independence in 2011, remains a key peacekeeping force in the region, with nearly 20,000 personnel deployed to maintain stability.
