The opposition National Salvation Front (NAS) led by Gen. Thomas Cirillo has accused SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces of launching attacks on its positions in Central Equatoria State.
In a statement on Tuesday, NAS claimed the SSPDF carried out a “scorched earth policy operation” against civilians in Mukaya payam by burning huts, looting household properties and displacing more than 3,000 civilians deep into the villages and into Yei town.
“This was followed by an attack on NAS position on 25 April, 2020. The NAS forces fought back and repulsed the assailants,” the statement reads in part.
“On 26 April, the SPLA-IO carried out an attack on NAS positions in three different locations of Senema in Otogo payam, Yei River County, Mediba village, Morobo County and Kala 2 in Kajo-Keji County respectively,” it added.
NAS said it lost two soldiers while three were injured in the offensives.
The armed opposition group, which is not a party to the 2018 revitalized peace deal, condemned the displacement of civilians in Mukaya.
NAS said it is still committed to the cessation of hostilities agreement signed in December 2017, but reserves the right to self-defense.
For his part, Lam Paul Gabriel, deputy spokesman for the opposition SPLA-IO said NAS rebels attacked them first at Kala 2, but they were repulsed.
Lam claimed that their forces killed 12 NAS soldiers during clashes, while one soldier was killed from their side.
SSPDF spokesperson Lul Ruai Koang could not immediately be reached to comment.