The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) have carried out airstrikes in Tonj East County of Warrap State since Monday, targeting areas where armed youth are reportedly regrouping, local officials said.
Warrap State Information Minister Mamer Bath Marol told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that government aircraft bombed parts of the county on Monday and resumed attacks on Tuesday morning.
“There were bombardments in Tonj East yesterday and this morning after the SSPDF became aware that armed youth were gathering in the area of Luanyjang,” Marol said. “The airstrikes are intended to deter the armed youth from regrouping in the swamps.”
He said there were no confirmed human casualties from the operations, but that some livestock had been injured.
Marol said the airstrikes followed a state of emergency declared by President Salva Kiir in parts of Warrap and Unity states recently, amid growing insecurity and the mobilization of armed youth.
“The SSPDF will continue the bombardments if the armed youth do not surrender their weapons,” Marol added. “They were given 21 days to hand over their guns, but they have failed to do so.”
Tonj East County Commissioner Mamer Ayuel also confirmed the air operations, saying they were part of efforts to enforce the presidential order on disarmament.
“The airstrikes were carried out by the SSPDF to disperse armed youth hiding in remote areas who refused to hand over their weapons,” Commissioner Ayuel told Radio Tamazuj. “We have not received reports of civilian deaths, but some cattle were killed.”
He said local authorities were assessing the situation and coordinating with the army to prevent further escalation.
Residents of Tonj East reported hearing heavy explosions and said the bombings caused panic, forcing many people to flee their homes.
“There is widespread fear. Bombs struck several villages and cattle camps,” one resident told Radio Tamazuj. “At least 60 cattle were killed in yesterday’s airstrike.”
Moses Madot, a member of parliament representing Tonj East County, said he was investigating the incident.
“I am in Ngap-Agok Payam and have received reports of aerial bombardment,” Madot said. “I am still trying to confirm the reasons for the attack and have been contacting local officials for more information.”
A local source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the army was reportedly targeting areas including Wunlit, Luanyjang, Thiik, and Akok, accusing youth from those communities of refusing to disarm.
The bombardments have displaced residents from Jalwau and surrounding villages toward Thiik and Marialou, according to local sources.
The SSPDF has not yet issued an official statement on the air operations.