South Sudan Launches Major Military Offensive Against Opposition Forces. Juba, South Sudan — South Sudan’s army has initiated a major military operation, codenamed ‘Operation Enduring Peace,’in response to recent territorial losses to opposition forces, according to official statements.
The offensive, announced by army spokesman Lul Ruai Koang, has raised concerns for civilian safety and has led to the evacuation orders for three counties in Jonglei state.
Koang ordered civilians to leave the affected areas immediately and directed aid groups to depart within 48 hours.
The operation’s objective is to recapture towns that have been seized by the opposition, which includes forces loyal to opposition leader Riek Machar and the ethnic Nuer militia known as the White Army. “
The country is not at war, “Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny told reporters in Juba. “.
We are only stopping the advancement of the opposition forces, “he added.
However, this statement comes days after a senior army commander was filmed urging his troops to kill civilians and destroy property during operations in Jonglei.
The International Crisis Group’s project director for the Horn of Africa, Alan Boswell, declared, “It is now indisputable: South Sudan has returned to war.”
The conflict in South Sudan began in December 2013 following a political rift within the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM).
The civil war has resulted in the displacement of millions and has been characterized by numerous ceasefire violations and military operations. Machar, an ethnic Nuer, was suspended as South Sudan’s number two last year after White Army fighters overran a military garrison in the town of Nasir. He now faces treason and other charges, which his allies and some international observers believe are politically motivated.
The government has relied heavily on aerial bombardments to counter the rebellion, which analysts say is gaining momentum across multiple states.
The offensive in Jonglei follows the seizure of the government outpost of Pajut on January 16, with opposition forces threatening to advance towards Juba. Officials commented on the matter. “.
Further details are expected as the situation unfolds.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
