Wirial Pok Baluang, press secretary of the rebel-appointed governor of Lich (Unity) State has accused Salva Kiir’s forces of killing dozens of civilians in an attack on their positions at Adok Al Bahr area in Leer County on Saturday.
Baluang told Radio Tamazuj Monday that a military convoy of three boats mounted with guns crossed from Al Tayar Port and carried out an attack on the Adok Al Bahr Port in Leer County, birthplace of the SPLM-IO leader Riek Machar.
The rebel official claimed the attack resulted into the killing of 56 civilians including women and children. Radio Tamazuj couldn’t independently verify the claim.
John Riek, Relief Coordinator in Unity State, said in a Sunday press statement that the government forces burned down several houses and looted shops in the area.
For his part, spokesman of the South Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), Col. Philip Aguer, said he didn’t receive any report on renewed clashes in the area.
South Sudanese government and rebel forces have trading accusations of attacks in a few areas over the weekend in Upper Nile region in spite of a new permanent ceasefire that went into effect on Sunday.
File photo: Tayar port after being destroyed in May 2015