Troops loyal to former South Sudanese vice president Riek Machar who defected almost three week ago launched a new attack on an SPLA base at Pariak, behind the front lines in the battle for Bor.
During the battle to retake Bor the South Sudanese army has faced several attacks on their flank coming from the east of the Bor-Juba road.
This morning’s attack took place at Pariak about 8 km from Bor town, somewhat behind the SPLA’s forward position, which was today at the Total compound near Bor.
Pariak was the scene of heavy fighting between SPLA and opposition forces on Sunday. Government troops advanced past the village with the intention of retaking Bor.
According to a source working in the governor’s office, the SPLA were attacked in Pariak this morning at around 8:00 a.m. He added that they were repulsed by SPLA after a serious exchange of fire.
Witnesses on the opposite bank of the Nile in Lakes State also confirmed that they heard heavy fights starting at 8:00 a.m. and ending at 1:00 p.m. in the same area.
Young men seek shelter at UNMISS
A number of youths unaccompanied by families arrived at the UNMISS camp in Bor this morning, according to a refugee inside the base from the local community.
“I believe they are ‘white army’ men,” she said, noting that they were ethnically Lou Nuer, and they were not wearing uniforms.
The witness noted that the IDP camp within the UN base in Bor has seen new arrivals within the last two days, as many young men arrived at the camp.
Much of the camp population consists of women from the local community. According to the source, there are tensions with the camp and fears of what could happen because of the new arrivals.