South Sudan has launched military operations against the White Army militia group, which has been engaged in clashes with the South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) since mid-February in Nasir County, Upper Nile State.
Michael Makuei Lueth, South Sudan’s Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Services, announced on Monday that the SSPDF Air Force, supported by the recently redeployed Uganda Peoples' Defense Forces, carried out airstrikes on White Army-controlled areas in Nasir.
At a press conference in Juba, Lueth stated that the White Army has effectively declared war on the transitional unity government following a recent name change.
"There are so many messages that are appearing on social media ... In my understanding, it is crystal clear that the White Army, which has just now transformed itself into the Naath (Nuer) Defense Force, and now this defense force is issuing a circular warning to the Dinka all over all the counties of the Nuer, asking them to move out from there," Lueth said.
Lueth also addressed the recent detention of senior SPLM/A-IO officials, stating that they would not be released until a full investigation is completed. This comes despite calls from the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, urging South Sudan to free the officials.