Mayom fighting claims lives of 7 soldiers

At least seven soldiers were killed and five others wounded during fighting among government forces in Mayom last Thursday, a military official said.

At least seven soldiers were killed and five others wounded during fighting among government forces in Mayom last Thursday, a military official said.

The official, who preferred anonymity, told Radio Tamazuj on Sunday that two government soldiers commanded by Gen. Mathew Puljang were killed while five soldiers commanded by defected army general Stephen Buay Rolnyang were killed during fighting in Mayom.

He pointed out that 72 defected soldiers were captured during clashes and that they are being held in military custody in Mayom.

“Three government soldiers were wounded while two soldiers loyal to Gen. Buay were wounded in fighting,” he said.

The top military official further said six soldiers loyal to Gen. Stephen Buay are still missing.

Gen. Stephen Buay, who is a former commander of the SPLA’s fifth infantry division in Wau, was flown to Juba after being captured in fighting.