At least six soldiers from the South Sudan People Defense Force (SSPDF) have been confirmed dead while two others survived with serious injuries following an attack at the army's base in Kur locality, northeast of Warrap state's Twic County.
On Monday, suspected Misseriya gunmen attacked the SSPDF defensive base at Kur four hours walk from the Nyiel area of Akoc Payam in Twic County.
According to officials, the base was manned by 11 soldiers commanded by 1st Lieutenant Bol Keer Moul. The motive of the attack is unknown.
Deng Tong Goc, the commissioner of Twic county told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that three soldiers are still missing from the ordeal.
"So they (armed Misseriya) attacked the base and exchanged fire. They killed six soldiers including the commander himself, three others went missing, two soldiers were critically wounded and then one soldier survived the attack without any injury. The Misseriya killed these people and left immediately and they have taken eight guns, six Kalashnikov, one RPG 7, and one light motor," he said.
Tong extended his condolences to family members of the fallen soldiers.
Meanwhile, SSPDF spokesperson, Brig. Santo Domic has described the attack and subsequent killing of the soldiers at Kur base as unfortunate and something that challenges the territorial integrity of the country.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Domic however said that the matter is beyond SSPDF command and that it will be handled by the ministry of foreign affairs and the national governments of both countries.
"Kur used to be our defensive locality for SSPDF and the force there is very limited. The Misseriya came around and attacked the area and dislodged our people and burned the barracks into ashes and this is a very terrible incident against the territorial integrity of the Republic of South Sudan by Sudan," he lamented.
He said Kur base was overrun by Misseriya because it had few soldiers who were oblivious of the attack considering cordial bilateral relations which both the Republic of South Sudan and the Republic of Sudan are enjoying.
Domic equally conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families following the attack.