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.
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.