The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) have recaptured the town of Lankien in Nyirol County, Jonglei state, following clashes with opposition forces, local officials said on Wednesday.
Nyamar Lony Thichiot, Jonglei state information minister, told Radio Tamazuj that the county headquarters and surrounding villages were calm after Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) fighters fled the area on Tuesday.
“The SPLA-IO forces under Nathaniel Oyet were defeated and they ran towards Chuil Payam,” she said. “The situation is now calm with residents starting to return to their homes.”
The state minister said SPLA-IO forces suffered heavy losses but did not provide casualty figures. “All weapons and ammunition were seized by the SSPDF,” she added.
An eyewitness, Both Jal, confirmed the fighting and said tensions remained high.
“There was heavy fighting yesterday at 12 PM while it was heavily raining. The government forces emerged victorious taking over the town,” he said. “Two vehicles and several weapons were captured by the government side.”
He added: “We don’t know where the SPLA-IO forces fled but the situation remains tense. There is a fear that SPLA-IO may launch a counter-attack.”
SPLA-IO officials in Nyirol County could not immediately be reached for comment.
SSPDF-affiliated soldiers posted videos on social media announcing the recapture of Lankien.
The renewed fighting comes less than a week after the government-appointed commissioner of Akobo County was killed in an attack on Walgak by SPLA-IO fighters. The National Civil Society Coalition recently warned of a re-escalation of violence in northern parts of Jonglei state and urged the parties to embrace dialogue.
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