Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The Army Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang says the government forces have killed a high-ranking commander and seven fighters from a joint SPLA-IO and NAS force following a late-March attack in Khor Gal-tan that left 36 people dead.
In a statement released by Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul on Wednesday, April 1, the military confirmed that government troops intercepted a retreating “combined force” of SPLM/A-IO and National Salvation Front (NAS) elements on March 29, 2026.
The statement stated that this intervention followed a “surprise attack” on civilians at the Khor Gal-tan mining area the previous evening.
According to the Army Spokesperson, the violence claimed the lives of 24 civilians and left over 20 others wounded. He added that 12 SSPDF soldiers died in what was described as a “spirited defense” of the mining community, while three other service members sustained injuries.
Maj. Gen. Lul confirmed that survivors with life-threatening wounds are receiving specialized care at ICRC facilities, while others are being treated at the Juba Military Referral Hospital (Giada).
According to the Army Spokesperson, following the massacre, SSPDF ground forces launched a spontaneous pursuit, tracking the attackers as they retreated westward.
He stated that by 10:00 AM the following morning, government forces made contact with the rebel unit, killing eight combatants, including the commanding officer.
In the statement, the SSPDF also addressed initial reports that suggested a much higher loss of life.
Gen Lul said that after thorough investigations involving military intelligence, eyewitness accounts, and community reports, the official death toll for the Khor Gal Tan incident has been revised downward.
“SSPDF is glad to announce that the Khor Gal Tan death toll initially reported at 73 has now dropped to 36,” Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang stated. He attributed the initial discrepancy to the “fog of war,” information gaps, and the temporary disappearance of survivors who have since resurfaced.
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