At least 13 soldiers were killed following renewed clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Unity State’s Rubkona County on Sunday morning.
SPLA-IO Sector Two Spokesperson Major Kerbino Yai Pazale told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that the fighting started at 5 a.m. on Sunday in Chotchar Village in Rubkona County. He accused SSPDF troops of attacking the SPLA-IO’s VIP Protection Unit.
“The SPLM (SSPDF) forces continued with their acts of terrorism by attacking the SPLA-IO VIP Protection Force in Chotchar Village on Sunday morning. However, the SPLA-IO responded swiftly, defending themselves and their families who came from Abyei,” he stated. “12 enemy (SSPDF) soldiers, including their commander, Maj. Gatluak Duop Nyir was killed on the spot by SPLA-IO forces.”
“The SPLA-IO lost one freedom fighter, while two others sustained gunshot injuries,” Maj. Pazale added.
He dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that the slain commander, Maj. Gatluak Duop was one of their officers, and the deceased was found wearing a police uniform.
Meanwhile, Unity State Information Minister Gatwech Biphal stressed that the state government has so far controlled the security situation and said that calm has returned to the area. He advised all forces in Unity State to give peace a chance and said that the leadership is working closely with all peace partners to de-escalate the tension.
“On Monday, there was a clash between the forces in Unity State at a certain place called Bornyang. Four soldiers were reported dead on the spot, five people were wounded in the clashes, and they are now seeking medical assistance at the Bentiu State Hospital. The situation is now calm after the governor intervened and the security situation is now stable across the state.”
Efforts to obtain comments from the SSPDF spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang was unsuccessful.
Last week, a similar confrontation was reported in Kaikang village of Mayom County between the same rival forces, highlighting rising tensions within the security sector.