A brutal predawn attack by armed youths in the northern Ruweng Administrative Area of South Sudan has left at least 169 people dead, including many women and children.

The massacre, which occurred on Sunday (March 1), has further escalated fears that the country is sliding back into a full-scale civil war.

According to local officials, the assault began around 4:30 AM in Abiemnom County while most residents were asleep, leaving them completely defenseless.

Casualties and Impact
The death toll includes a devastating mix of civilians and security personnel:

90 Civilians: This group includes children, women, and the elderly.

79 Security Personnel: Members of regional forces and police who were reportedly outnumbered during the four-hour battle.

Leadership Losses: High-ranking local officials, including the County Commissioner and the Executive Director of Abiemnom, were among those killed.

Injuries: At least 50 others sustained injuries, with many being transported to the neighboring Abyei region for medical treatment.

Allegations and Denials
James Monyluak Mijok, the Information Minister for the Ruweng Administrative Area, alleged that the attackers crossed over from neighboring Unity State. He claimed the armed youths are affiliated with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO).

However, the SPLA-IO has strongly denied these allegations, accusing Unity State authorities of "politicizing" the violence for tactical gain.

Humanitarian Crisis and UN Warning
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has expressed grave concern over the "barbaric" incident. Approximately 1,000 civilians have sought refuge at a local UN base to escape the ongoing volatility.

This attack comes amid a significant breakdown of the 2018 peace agreement between President Salva Kiir and his rival Riek Machar.

The UN recently warned that the country is at extreme risk of returning to all-out conflict, as ethnic tensions and political infighting continue to claim lives across the region.