Forces loyal to Gen. Johnson Olony, commander of the Aguelek forces of the Shilluk Kingdom in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State, have claimed capture of a steamboat they say belongs to Salva Kiir’s government.
In a press statement, Brigadier Nyagual Ajak, a commander in the Aguelek forces, announced they captured government steamboats in Kaka area, which is under Aguelek control, on its way to Renk town.
He said the captured steamboat was mounted with heavy machine guns and carried barrels of fuel. He said they also found documents on board signed by SPLA chief of general staff Paul Malong.
Nyagual said they captured foreigners believed to be staff of the United Nations and two private bodyguards of SPLA commander Stephen Buai.
He explained that the area commander Brigadier Paromi Angui ordered seizure of the steamboat. He accused the government of violating the cease-fire agreement signed by the two sides recently.
Nyagual indicated that the government ferry was using logos of the United Nations when it crossed Tunga and Kodok areas, which are also controlled by the Aguelek rebels.
The spokesperson said the steamboat appeared to be transporting fuel for the United Nations, but suggested the government used that as a trick to deliver weapons to its troops in Renk.
Nyagual also said a helicopter gunship belonging to the Juba government bombed Kaka area on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.
For its part, a government source from Renk town who preferred anonymity in fear of appraisal, confirmed that the rebels had captured a steamboat in Kaka. However, he did not give further details about the matter.
The Aguelek forces joined the SPLA-In Opposition of Riek Machar earlier this year.