Military helicopter strikes South Sudan’s Eastern Godrial State, destroys homes injuring civilians

Sudden airstrike by South Sudan People’s Defence Forces on Eastern Gogrial has resulted in civilian casualties and property damage 

A combat helicopter belonging to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) carried out a sudden airstrike in the morning of Thursday June 5, 2025, on the Awt Wut area in Eastern Gogrial State according to official sources 

County commissioner Marco Kornelio Anyar confirmed that the military operation targeted the Atayang area in Eastern Toj, resulting in several people injured and the destruction of several homes in the precinct.

The underlying reasons behind the airstrike have not yet been disclosed 

Anyar stated in a press release that they were still in contact with senior military leadership to understand the details of this unannounced operation, noting that the attack caused shock among local residents 

No official statement was issued by the military spokesperson of the armed forces by the time of publishing this news to clarify the circumstances or motives behind the incident 

This escalation comes at a time when the country is experiencing political and security tensions while local authorities continue to assess the on-the-ground damage caused by the unexpected airstrike.

In another development, Bol Wiik has taken the constitutional oath before President Salva Kiir Mayardit, officially assuming his role as the new governor of Warrap State, in a step aimed at enhancing stability in the region, which has been experiencing recurring security tensions. 

During the inauguration ceremony, President Kiir stressed the need for the people of Warrap to support the new governor and cooperate with him to achieve peace, emphasizing the importance of ending violence and building a secure future for the state’s residents. 

For his part, Wiik announced that his administration’s priorities would focus on enhancing security, restoring basic services, and achieving community reconciliation. He called on the people of Warrap, including those residing in the capital Juba, to contribute to peacebuilding efforts. 

Warrap State has been plagued by persistent tribal conflicts, leading to the displacement of many civilians, making the appointment of a new governor a pivotal step toward opening pathways for peace and restoring stability in the region.