South Sudan’s military (SSPDF) launched airstrikes early on Tuesday on positions held by the opposition SPLA-IO in Western Bahr el Ghazal state, sparking panic and sending civilians fleeing from their homes, witnesses and officials said.
The aerial bombardment targeted areas in Jur River County, controlled by the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO). The strike occurred at around 3 a.m. in the Kuanya area.
Local residents who fled to the town of Wau described scenes of fear and confusion. Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on condition of anonymity for security reasons, they said the gunship appeared to be targeting the home of SPLA-IO General Bol Wek, who was wounded in a previous attack.
“We were shocked this morning to see the army using airstrikes in civilian-populated areas like Jebel Teak and Kuanya,” said one man who fled with his wife and four children. “We have left our homes, and I am quite sure that today all of our properties will be looted, like in April this year.”
He appealed for fighting to be kept away from civilian areas. “If the government troops are fighting opposition forces, let them go and attack the camps where those forces are, rather than targeting areas with civilians.”
The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) confirmed the operation but provided few details.
SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang told Radio Tamazuj that the airstrike took place in SPLA-IO-held areas of Jur River County but said he was awaiting a full report from the field commander.
“I am waiting for a full report from the field commander on whether there were losses incurred by SPLA-IO or not,” Koang said.
For its part, the SPLA-IO confirmed its positions were hit but reported no casualties.
“Our position in the Kuanya area came under airstrike by the SSPDF this morning, but there were no casualties or losses,” SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel said.
Gabriel linked the airstrike to clashes last month, saying that on Sept. 28, SSPDF forces attacked SPLA-IO-held areas. In a subsequent ambush, SPLA-IO fighters killed 12 government soldiers and wounded seven others. He confirmed that Gen. Bol Wek was wounded in the leg during the Sept. 28 attack and is recovering.
“The bombs fell on civilian areas in Kuanya, but no losses were incurred. The situation is tense because civilians have fled following the attacks,” Gabriel said.
The violence has raised concern in the town of Wau, where a lack of credible information has created fear, according to Robo Stephen, a civil society activist in Wau and coordinator of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO).
“People are scared in Wau because they don’t know what is happening—there is no clear information,” Stephen said. “Even NGOs are unable to move into that area because of the lack of access and reliable updates.”
He called for transparency from the government and a return to dialogue. “The government needs to inform the public about what is going on because there are many rumors,” he said. “We appeal to the warring parties to hold talks and resume dialogue. The ongoing military confrontation will not resolve the crisis.”
Stephen warned that the country cannot withstand a return to widespread conflict after the 2018 peace agreement, which has faltered—particularly in implementing its security arrangements.
Tensions have been rising since the start of the year. The peace deal faces growing pressure following the arrest of SPLA-IO leader and First Vice President Riek Machar after violence in Nasir.
Machar and seven co-accused from his SPLM-IO party are currently on trial in a special court in Juba on charges of treason, murder and crimes against humanity.