Clashes within government forces have erupted in South Sudan’s northern town Malakal early this morning, following a shooting incident last night.
At least two of Governor Simon Kun Puoch’s bodyguard were killed and two others belonging to other SPLA elements belonging to the escort of a high-level officer were wounded in the Hai Jellaba neighborhood last night. According to military sources on the ground, this shooting occurred at 8:00 p.m. last night.
Fighting then erupted at 6:00 a.m. this morning in Malakal town resulting in many wounded from both sides. One of the citizens in the centre of the city told Radio Tamazuj that the city is currently in state of war with gunfire from all sides, with the governor’s forces fighting on one side and other government elements on the other side.
Meanwhile, the Upper Nile State government spokesman speaking to Eye Radio identified the forces on the other side as those loyal to General Johnson Olony.