YEI – Fierce fighting erupted at dawn on Saturday between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA-IO) and allied National Salvation Front (NAS) killing several troops from both sides, military sources said.
Yei River County Commissioner confirmed the fighting saying they were engaging rebel fighters, but could not give details about the casualties.
SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel said the rebel group loyal to detained FVP Dr. Riek Machar joined force with NAS-TC to launch “successful offensive attacks” against SSPDF bases in Lasu and Libogo in Yei, leading to their capture.
He claimed that the rebel forces captured many weapons including one Land Cruiser pickup mounted with 14.5 mm, 120 mm Mortar (1), 12.7mm (1) and other assault rifles in good working conditions.
“Twelve (12) enemy soldiers (SSPDF) were killed in the two attacks and scores injured. The Joint Force lost 5 (five) freedom fighters killed in action,” he said.
Juba Witness could not independently verify the facts of Col. Lam’s statement, and SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai is yet to comment on the incident.
In a separate incident, Lam said the SPLA-IO forces together with the armed youth around Nasir “intercepted and cleared the SSPDF elements who left left their temporary camp in Burabyie and went to Jikmiir to harass and loot civilians property.”
He called on civilians to stay away from military bases and convoys to avoid crossfire incidents.