South Sudan’s army has ordered civilians, aid workers, and UN staff to leave opposition-held areas of Jonglei State ahead of a major offensive.
The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces gave people in Nyirol, Uror, and Akobo counties 48 hours to evacuate.
Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said the military is preparing “Operation Enduring Peace” against the SPLM-in-Opposition.
He warned that armed civilians near opposition positions would be treated as legitimate military targets.
The UN mission in South Sudan expressed alarm over reports that troops were urged to attack civilians.
UNMISS said more than 180,000 people have already been displaced in Jonglei by escalating fighting.
South Sudan has remained unstable since its 2013 political crisis, despite peace agreements signed in 2018 and 2022.
