South Sudan’s army has ordered civilians to leave opposition-held areas in eastern Jonglei State as fighting between rival forces sharply intensifies.
The military said the evacuation aims to prevent civilians being used as human shields during ongoing operations against opposition fighters.
Army spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang urged residents to avoid areas near military barracks, assembly points and known rally locations.
The order follows an air strike on a market in Nyirol County that killed 26 civilians, according to local media reports.
A local rights group told AFP that at least 30 other people were wounded in the attack, deepening fears among communities.
Clashes between government forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition have escalated since December 24.
The surge in violence began after opposition fighters overran a government military position in the town of Waat.
The evacuation notice applies to the counties of Nyirol, Uror and Akobo, all situated in Jonglei State.
Military officials said the measures are intended to reduce collateral damage during what they described as necessary operations.
The fighting comes as a fragile power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar unravels.
South Sudan, independent since 2011, remains haunted by a civil war legacy despite a 2018 peace deal meant to secure stability.
