The spokesman of the South Sudan Army (SPLA) Col. Philip Aguer dismissed a rumor that a suspicious Sudanese government Antonov had been grounded at Juba Airport, but confirmed rather that the aircraft was a commercially registered Antonov from Dubai.
In Juba there were rumors of an unidentified Antenov which allegedly landed at Juba International airport 72 hours ago.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, Col. Aguer said: “Indeed a plane landed at Juba International Airport and the people in the airport reported it to security agents who grounded the plane. Preliminary investigations confirm that this plane does not pose any national security threat.”
Aguer revealed that the plane came from Dubai, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and is a commercial flight which came without indication or notification. He also added that the plane is reportedly registered in South Sudan as a commercial flight.
The spokesman stated clearly that the aircraft does not have any insecurity to cause. Aguer did not accuse the neighbouring Sudan of being behind this.
Radio Tamazuj could not reach the South Sudan Civil Aviation for more details about the plane.
Antonovs are highly feared in South Sudan due to their legacy of use during the long civil war. The Sudanese air force last used Antonovs extensively in South Sudan in April 2012 when they sought to attack troops and supply routes around the contested oil fields, and also in the Samaha and Kafia Kingi disputed areas. They continue to use Antonovs to bomb targets in Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile.