Opposition-aligned forces of General Johnson Olony dismissed claims that they were defeated in Melut town, but admitted that they withdrew from the area.
The government had broadcast footage of burning barges proclaiming victory over the defected General Johnson Olony at the ‘Battle of Melut’ on Wednesday, 20 May.
Speaking yesterday, Brigadier Nyagual Ajak, spokesman of Olony’s forces, said that they pulled out of Melut for “security reasons” but emphasized that they were not defeated and withdrew with their forces intact.
“We weren’t defeated; we withdrew with all our weapons. We moved out of Melut for some kilometres, so the government claims are untrue. They found the area empty without our forces after we withdrew,” he explained.
Nyagual claimed also that they there are now controlling Kaka after government forces from Divisions 1 and 7 withdrew since Thursday following deadly clashes that lasted for three days.
The rebel spokesman further claimed they are now controlling the entries leading to the oil-producing Paloich area, saying they haven’t yet captured Paloich.