Dozens of aid workers have been evacuated from two villages in Unity State in preparation for imminent fighting, Reuters reported on Monday.
Nearly forty people were flown out of Jazeera and Nhialdu, near the capital of Bentiu, the agency reported. On Monday, Radio Tamazuj received reports of fighting in Unity State.
“We hope the security situation will improve enough to allow re-deployment of our team as soon as possible so we can get people the food assistance they need,” a WFP spokeswoman told Reuters. “Extended fighting always tends to make humanitarian needs worse.”
The Danish Refugee Council confirmed seven of its staff working on food security and protection had been relocated and would return as soon as tensions eased.
Separately, John Bol, security advisor of South Sudan’s proposed Northern Liech State, confirmed renewed clashes between government and opposition forces in Nhialdiu area, claiming that their forces repulsed an attack from the opposition.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Bol said opposition forces have attacked their position in different parts around Nhialdiu area.
State Minister of Information Lam Tungwar on Sunday had confirmed that two government soldiers were killed and six were injured in clashes between their forces and armed opposition that morning, claiming that dozens were killed and injured from the opposition side.
“Dozens have been killed and injured from the rebels’ side and two were killed and 6 injured from the government side,” said Tungwar.
Photo: A food distribution in Ganyiel, Unity State (VOA)