Forces from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition attacked a military barracks in Nagero County in Western Equatoria state early Sunday, injuring one government soldier and prompting civilians to flee the area, local authorities said.
The assault on the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces base occurred around 5:30 a.m., according to local officials who spoke to Radio Tamazuj on condition of anonymity. The SSPDF repelled the attack and retained control of the barracks, the officials said.
The county executive director told Radio Tamazuj that one soldier was wounded. “Civilians panicked and ran into the bush after hearing the gunfire,” the director said. “The situation is now calm, but people remain fearful and movement is restricted.”
Another local official confirmed hearing heavy gunfire and said most residents had not yet returned from the bush. He appealed for government intervention to protect civilians.
Spokespeople for the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO did not immediately respond to requests for comment.