At least 20 people have so far been killed during fresh clashes emerging between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the opposition squads from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement In-Opposition.
The battle between SSPDF and the SPLA-IO, reportedly also involved armed civilians in the town of Mathiang, the administrative center of Longechuk County in the Upper Nile State.
According to military officials the strife escalated in the course of this week.
The SSPDF area commander in Longechuk, Major General Khor Chuol Giet, told the media that that the fighting erupted early Monday morning when forces from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), along with local armed youth known as the “White Army,” launched coordinated attacks on South Sudan People’s Defence Forces positions in Mathiang.
“The intense fighting lasted for three hours, but we managed to repel the attackers,” Giet said.
“We lost four soldiers and eight others were injured. A young boy was also injured during the crossfire.”
Giet claimed that a total of 16 SPLA-IO fighters were killed, and two opposition officers — including one holding the rank of major — were captured and transferred to Juba for investigation.
He added that the total number of wounded on the opposition side remains unknown.
“We found 16 of their bodies in trenches, but there could be more,” he said. “We don’t know if they will return to attack again.”
A video circulating on social media appears to show one of the White Army commanders wounded, captured by the SSPDF, and being interrogated by soldiers.
The SSPDF commander also accused the former Longechuk County commissioner of participating in the assault, though he did not provide further evidence.
Tutlith Koang, the current county commissioner and a member of the SPLM, confirmed the fighting and said it began around 5 a.m. Monday.
“I was in communication with the SSPDF commander when the fighting started,” Koang said. “He told me the SPLA-IO launched the attack because I am now in Malakal. The commander also confirmed the casualties on both sides.”