Clashes between government and opposition forces in the Sanja-Siri area of Yei County on Sunday left civilians in panic and displacement, a continuation of insecurity in that area.

Rocket propelled RPG’s and heavy weapon fire could be heard for some time along the Yei-Aba road, and it was not immediately clear if there were any casualties. Some civilians traveling on the road were also arrested and taken to the army barracks for interrogation.

Radio Tamazuj has reported on extrajudicial killings in the Yei area and a series of arbitrary arrests.

“The incident happened at 6:50 AM and it’s not clear what led to the fighting,” one resident said, adding that they were trapped in the fighting.

An apparent security operation originating in Yei town burnt down huts in the Lutaya and Sanja-siri area, looting animals belonging to the area chief Alfred Sebit.

“When they arrived to the area, they took more than ten goats and chicken belonging to the area chief Sultan Alfred Sebit and burnt down some houses near the road blaming the area head man for harboring fighters in the area” one resident said on the condition of anonymity.

Among those rounded up included Eli Khamis, a former clerk at the county high court.

Government officials were not available for comment. Phone lines in the Yei region were recently cut.