The National Salvation Front (NAS) has accused forces under the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), as well as the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO) of attacking its bases in Mundri West area of Western Equatoria State.
The National Salvation Front is an armed opposition group led by General Thomas Cirillo.
“On 23rd May, 2020, the SSPDF forces accompanied by elements of the SPLA-IO attacked the NAS mobile base in Mundri West. NAS forces fought back in self-defense and repulsed the attackers,” the opposition group said in a statement on Sunday.
“On another development, as NAS continues to counter SSPDF and SPLA-IO offensives in Western Equatoria State, a National Security convoy traveling to Lakes State fell into an ambush by NAS forces in which 5 government soldiers were killed in action; different assortments of ammunition were recovered and one fuel tanker burnt,” it added.
The opposition group, which is not a party to the 2018 revitalized peace deal, said it is committed to the cessation of hostilities deal signed in 2017, but reserves the right to self-defense.
The SSPDF and SPLA-IO spokespersons were unavailable to comment.