Africa-Press – South-Sudan. At least 20 people were killed on Monday during clashes between South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), opposition forces from the SPLA-IO, and armed civilians in the town of Mathiang, the administrative center of Longechuk County in Upper Nile State, according to military officials.
Maj. Gen. Khor Chuol Giet, the SSPDF area commander in Longechuk, told Radio Tamazuj 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 SSPDF positions in Mathiang.
“The 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 in the crossfire.”
Giet claimed that 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.”
SPLA-IO commanders in the area could not be reached for comment.
The situation in Upper Nile State remains volatile, with intermittent clashes reported between rival forces despite a fragile peace agreement signed in 2018.
For More News And Analysis About South-Sudan Follow Africa-Press
