South Sudan’s two main warring parties SPLA-Juba and SPLA-IO traded accusations over fighting yesterday and the day before in various areas of the oil-producing Unity State.
SPLA-IO military spokesman Peter George Machar accused the government forces of attacking their positions in the state. He told Radio Tamazuj that they were attacked in Nhialdiu and Guit counties. The fighting continued from Sunday until yesterday Monday, according to the rebel official.
He pointed out that clashes moved afterwards to some areas in Mayom County and along the road leading to Pariang County.
The spokesman claimed that they inflicted heavy losses on the government forces. He added SPLA-IO fighters managed to destroy two tanks and seize one tank in good condition.
Meanwhile, officials working for a hospital run by Care International organization in Pariang County confirmed that the facility had yesterday received about nine wounded soldiers. The hospital was expecting likely to receive more wounded soldiers according to the organization.
For his part, Pariang County Commissioner Monylang Manyiel accused the SPLA-IO rebels of violating the ceasefire agreement by attacking their positions. “The rebels attacked our positions in Tom South, Lalob and Khatel Nar areas,” said the county official.
Monylang told Radio Tamazuj that SPLA repulsed the attackers. However, he confirmed the government’s commitment to respecting the ceasefire agreement signed with the insurgency. He revealed that at least three SPLA soldiers were killed in those clashes. However, but he didn’t give further details about wounded soldiers from their side.
Meanwhile, SPLA-IO Major-General Ruai Kuol also accused the government forces of attacking their positions in the state on Sunday until Monday.
“Salva Kiir’s forces attacked us in about five areas. They attacked us in Uchok, Nhialdiu, Guit, Panakauc and Tor areas. The five attacks took place on Sunday and Monday,” he explained.
The rebel official further said the attacks started around 10:00 am until 5:00 pm, but were repulsed. Ruai Kuol claimed that they inflicted heavy casualties on the attackers in Panakauc area.
“We seized three tanks and three Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles and one Ural from the attackers in Panakauc area,” he said. He alleged that SPLA commander Kurubino Ruai Tap was wounded. Kuol added the wounded commander has been flown to Juba for treatment.
The rebel official also claimed that Guit County Commissioner Kawaya Chany was also wounded in the clashes. The rebel general accused Sudanese rebels of involvement in those clashes.
He pointed out that the government forces are stationed in an area called Khor Lou in Nhialdiu. He added other government troops are in Uchok area in Mayom County.
The SPLA-IO fighters are in control of Guit County, according to the rebel official.
Meanwhile, Khan Nien Yieh, Director General at the Unity State Ministry of Information accused the rebels of attacking their positions in Nhialdiu and Guit Counties.
“The claims that it is us who attacked them are untrue,” he said. He confirmed his government’s commitment to bring about peace in South Sudan.
He affirmed that they defeated the rebels in Guit and Nhialdiu Counties yesterday. “Our wounded soldiers during those clashes are now receiving treatment in Bentiu Military Hospital,” he said.
However, the official didn’t give further details about the number of the wounded soldiers.
“We defeated the rebels from the southern part of Bentiu until we reached Nhialdiu and Guit Counties after they had attacked us” he said.
The state official said that there was not any attack in Pariang County.
File photo