Fresh clashes erupted between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the opposition SPLA-IO forces in Leer County of Unity State on Tuesday morning, military officials have said.
Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel, the Military Spokesperson for SPLA-IO, told Radio Tamazuj that Lt. Gen. Maguek Gai’s militia forces that align with the SSPDF attacked their base in Kai Kang area of Leer County. He pointed out that the attack occurred at approximately 5:00 am.
“The fighting began at 5:00 am and concluded at 7:00 am, lasting for two hours. Simon Maguek’s forces were repulsed back to Leer town after attempting to deploy near Adok port. While the exact number of casualties remains uncertain as the fighting is ongoing, wounded individuals are expected to be present,” explained Lam. He added that details about this incident will be made public in the evening.
For his part, Leer County Commissioner Stephen Taker Riak confirmed the fighting that occurred at 5:00 am in Kai Gai payam of Leer County.
Taker said that the forces of Simon Maguek, based in Leer town, did not attack SPLA-IO forces stationed in Kai Gai payam. Refuting allegations of forces loyal to Simon Maguek attacking SPLA-IO, Taker emphasized, “It is not true as I am talking to you.”
“As of now, our people who were displaced during the morning fighting were prevented by SPLA-IO forces from going to Leer. From what I know about the fighting, SPLA-IO forces attacked the forces belonging to Simon Maguek,” he said.
“I have informed the governor of Unity State, and my governor will also communicate with President Salva Kiir about this incident,” Taker stated.
Radio Tamazuj attempted to contact Lt. Gen. Simon Maguek Gai for comments this morning, but the phone call was not answered.