South Sudan launches offensive against opposition forces: What to know

Al JazeeraCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by Joseph FalzettaJanuary 28, 2026 at 09:18 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

In late January 2026, South Sudan's army launched "Operation Enduring Peace," a major military offensive against opposition forces in Jonglei state, following recent territorial losses. Army spokesman Lul Ruai Koang ordered civilians to evacuate three counties and aid groups to leave the area. The government claims the operation aims to restore order and halt the advancement of opposition forces, not to engage in war. However, the UN and others have condemned the offensive after reports surfaced of a senior army commander urging troops to harm civilians. Opposition forces, including those loyal to Riek Machar and the Nuer White Army, have seized government outposts in Jonglei since December.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Ateny Wek Ateny ×260% International Crisis Group 70% Lul Ruai Koang ×280% Jonglei state ×480% South Sudan ×590% Riek Machar ×390%

Keywords

south sudan 100% opposition forces 90% offensive 80% civilian safety 70% jonglei state 70% violence 60% military operation 60% nuer ethnic group 50% riek machar 50% white army 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Very Negative

Score: -0.70

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Source

Al Jazeera

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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south sudan opposition forces offensive civilian safety jonglei state violence military operation nuer ethnic group riek machar white army

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