The authorities in Jonglei State have said an unspecified number of civilians may have been killed and properties destroyed after the SSPDF carried out a series of aerial bombardments in parts of Ayod and Uror counties on Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
Simon Hoth Dual, Jonglei State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, confirmed reports of explosions but said full details on casualties and damage were still being gathered.
“Yes, the bombardment happened in an area called Mogok, in a payam called Normanyang. Also, this [Wednesday] morning, the plane went to Pieri and again bombarded Lankien,” he told the press. “That is the information I got, but I did not get any details on the damages and injuries.”
Local officials and residents are reportedly still assessing the impact of the alleged attacks.
When contacted for comment, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said he had no information about any military operation in the affected areas.
“No, I have no information, but you can get in touch with the state authorities,” he said curtly.
The circumstances surrounding the reported aerial strikes remain unclear. Jonglei State officials say they will release further details once field teams submit comprehensive reports.
The SSPDF and their allies, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), started airstrikes in the eastern part of Upper Nile State days after armed youths, known as the White Army, overran an SSPDF military base in Nasir County on 4 March, dislodging government troops.
Ulang and Nasir, both located roughly 400 km (250 miles) north of Malakal town, are predominantly inhabited by the Jikany Nuer section and have since faced intermittent aerial attacks by the SSPDF.