Four people, including a police officer and three civilians, were killed in separate attacks around of the town of Bor on Tuesday, authorities said.
The violence began in the area of Kuot Ayool when police pursuing a suspected armed poacher transporting bushmeat were ambushed, said Maj. Gen. John Baak Alfonse Athiak, the police commissioner of Jonglei state.
Police officers fell into the ambush in the Arek area, which was allegedly carried out by suspected members of the Red Belt Vigilantes group, Baak said. A clash ensued, killing one officer.
“Our forces were carrying out a routine law enforcement operation when they were ambushed,” Baak said. “Unfortunately, one of our officers lost his life.”
He said three civilians were killed in separate incidents in Lenguet, Moldoor and Payueny areas by unknown gunmen. The victims were not members of the Red Belt group, he added.
“The killing of innocent civilians is unacceptable,” Baak said. “We have launched investigations.”
Civil society groups condemned the attacks.
Bol Deng Bol, chairperson of the local group Jonglei Intrepid South Sudan, urged police to protect civilians.
“The perpetrator must be apprehended and brought to justice without delay,” Bol said.
The Red Belt, a community-based defense force drawn largely from the Dinka Bor community, has been at the center of growing security concerns. The national army has classified the group as a rebel organization.
Tensions escalated earlier this month after two people — including the Red Belt’s deputy commander, Thon Kuany, and a national security officer — were killed during a security operation at a hotel in Bor town, triggering hours of unrest.
A Red Belt representative, Leek Mamer Leek, has previously said the group was formed to protect the Dinka Bor community amid persistent insecurity. Authorities say armed groups operating outside the law pose a serious threat.