A top rebel official in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state has accused SPLA-Juba forces loyal to Salva Kiir of carrying out an attack on their positions in Fashoda County.
Tijuok Hadhir Aguet, SPLA-IO governor for Fashoda, said the rebels yesterday morning repulsed an attack by the government forces and captured Haluf near Kaka. He added that fighting was continuing in Kaka area.
He claimed they captured two tanks in good conditions and military equipments after the attackers ran toward Kodok.
Yesterday’s casualties from the rebel side are yet to announced, according to the governor, while claiming several SPLA-Juba soldiers were killed during clashes.
Tijuok further alleged an attack by government forces over the weekend.
“The government forces came and attacked our positions in Kaka and they moved toward Wadakona before four days ago,” he said.
Tijuok, who had served as Salva Kiir’s advisor on religious affairs, threatened that the SPLA-IO fighters will go as far as capturing Kodok area.
The rebel official accused the government of violating the ceasefire agreement signed in Addis Ababa.
He also called upon the international community to put pressure on the government to accept peace.
“Before the signing of the ceasefire agreement in January 2013 Malakal, Bentiu and Bor towns were under rebel control, but later the government captured all these areas” he said.
Tijuok threatened to capture the capital Juba if the government refuses to accept the ongoing peace talks in Addis Ababa.