LONGECHUK – Heavy fighting has been reported in Longechuk County in Upper Nile State between South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), on Thursday.
Local sources confirmed that SPLA-IO and allied local youths known as the White Army launched a coordinated attack on SSPDF troops in a bid to seize Mathiang town.
This triggered heavy gunfire and artillery exchange that could be heard from miles through the morning hours. Details about the fighting and casualties are yet to be availed.
SSPDF spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang is yet to release official statement on the situation.
On his part, SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel confirmed the incident, stating that their forces intercepted what he called an attacking force of SSPDF.
“This morning at 0800 hours the SPLA-IO intercepted an attacking force of the SSPDF outside Mathiang leading to the ongoing clashes that have now reached Mathiang town in Longechuk County.”
“The situation in Mathiang remains tense as the SPLA-IO joined with the armed youth continue to maintain presence inside the town.”
In separate incidences, Lam also said the SPLA-IO forces “prevented two coordinated attacks” from the SSPDF in Jamara Saba (7) and Limuro in Lainya County, on Wednesday, August 27.
“The SSPDF were countered trying to move towards the SPLA-IO positions around Lainya. Two enemy soldiers were killed and several others wounded during the clashes.”