A senior opposition commander has been wounded in a clash with government forces in South Sudan’s Jonglei State, a local official has said.
Brig Gen Dabang Char, who leads a unit for the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), was ambushed on Tuesday night while travelling between Panyim and Motot villages in Uor County.
The SPLM-IO-appointed commissioner for Nyirol county, Peter Gatkuoth Koang, told Radio Tamazuj that the officer sustained minor injuries and was being treated in Lankien town, Nyirol County.
“Our forces led by Brig. Gen. Dabang were ambushed,” Koang said. “The SSPDF came and laid an ambush, attacking our forces who defended themselves.”
He said the unit was moving at night to “avoid confrontation” with government forces stationed in the nearby area of Waat.
Koang condemned the incident, describing it as part of a pattern of provocation. “There is no trust between us and the SSPDF, and that’s why our officers move at night,” he said. “The SSPDF have been provocative for some time now to wreak havoc and insecurity.”
The reported attack is the latest in a series of incidents that have threatened stability in the region.
Radio Tamazuj attempted to contact the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) for comment. Spokesperson Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang could not be reached for comment.