South Sudan’s army has acknowledged suffering some losses in fighting last Friday in Upper Nile State in areas opposite the state capital Malakal while claiming that they inflicted heavier casualties on the SPLA-IO.
Aguelek forces aligned with rebel group SPLA-IO control most of the Nile west of Malakal in the northern part of the country. They allegedly launched attacks on SPLA troops in riverside areas, according to the SPLA spokesman Lul Ruai.
Lul told Radio Tamazuj by phone today that 22 of their soldiers were wounded and four died in the attacks, which he said took place at Lelo and Werjok.
SPLA blames rebels for the violence saying they did not go on the offensive. On the other hand, an Aguelek source said Friday whilst the fighting was still ongoing that the government troops were responsible for initiating the fighting and had attacked their areas.
The SPLA forces involved fell under the Second Infantry Division of Sector II led by General Boutros Bol Bol popularly known as “General Bibi,” deputized by Major General Samuel Mayiik Machar.
SPLA’s spokesman said, “We are for peace… the ones that are spoiling peace they are warmongers under Riek Machar.” SPLA-IO spokesmen separately confirmed the fighting to Radio Tamazuj.
Aguelek commander General Johnson Olony has previously said that his forces are fighting to liberate Shilluk tribal territory from government control. The areas attacked were within Shilluk territory on the western bank of the Nile. On the other hand, an SPLA-IO spokesman more closely linked with the rebels’ Pagak headquarters linked the attacks to the collapse of the IGAD peace deal and said that their intention is to take control of the state capital Malakal.