Local authorities in Nasir County of Upper Nile State have reported that a tragic attack on Wednesday by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) resulted in the deaths of three civilians, including a woman, and injuries to at least 14 others, mostly women and children.
County Commissioner James Gatluak confirmed the casualty figures during an interview with Radio Tamzuj on Thursday afternoon and strongly condemned the attack.
“The incident occurred at 3 p.m. while I was in the office. It was a planned attack on civilians by the SSPDF,” he narrated. “They had strategically deployed in three directions; Nasir West, Nasir South, and Central Nasir, targeting the main market, airstrip, and riverside. The fighting lasted for 3 hours.”
In addition to the civilian casualties, Gatluak reported that 13 SSPDF attackers were killed during the confrontation. The motives behind the national army’s aggressive actions remain unclear.
Further compounding the situation, the commissioner noted that another attack took place on Thursday morning, lasting from 9:00 to 9:34 a.m., although no injuries were reported. He also revealed that both his office and residence were targeted in bombings, raising concerns about the safety of local officials.
“It is alarming that our military would turn their weapons against the very people they are meant to protect,” he lamented.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the SSPDF spokesperson, acknowledged awareness of the incident but stated he could not provide further details without authorization from his superior, Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Santino Deng Wol.
“Just a few minutes ago I got the information but the big problem is that my boss went to the presidency and up now he has not come,” he stated. “He (CDF) is the one that normally gives me final approval whenever I have collected all the information. I got all the formation from the area commander but I cannot go on air without approval.”
Commissioner Gatluak has called for immediate investigations into the attacks and insists that those responsible be held accountable as tensions continue to escalate in the area.