Clashes in Jonglei State’s Uror County last week killed at least 70 SSPDF soldiers, including civilians, and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes, according to local officials.
The fighting on January 2, 2026, in Yuai, the administrative headquarters of Uror County, involved the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and SPLA-IO forces loyal to suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
Majiok Chop, the director of information for Uror County, told Radio Tamazuj Wednesday that SPLA-IO forces captured the town of Yuai from the army after heavy clashes lasting approximately 80 minutes.
“The battle in Yuai was a heavy one… killing 70 government soldiers and civilians,” Chop said. “There was destruction in the market with all shops looted, leaving tens of thousands of civilians to desert Yuai for their safety.”
The government official described the devastation as the sixth and most severe instance since 2013, noting the town has been vandalized and deserted.
Chop, speaking from a village on the outskirts of Yuai, said government-appointed county commissioner James Gatkhor Gatluak was evacuated to neighboring Duk County for safety and government operations were suspended.
The violence has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis.
Chop reported that displaced civilians lack food and shelter and are drinking contaminated water after the destruction of boreholes in surrounding villages.
SPLA-IO officials in Yuai could not immediately be reached for comment.
Thousands have fled to swamp areas within Uror County, while others have crossed into Duk County. Duk County Commissioner John Chatim Ruei confirmed the influx.
“Since the fighting on 2 January, we received 7,000 people displaced from Uror County,” Ruei said. “The displaced people are now in the areas of Pajut, Poktap, Patuet, Pagak, and Duk Padiet. They are in dire need of food and shelter.”
He added that the fighting also displaced residents of Duk’s border villages, fearing spillover violence. While the situation in Duk is currently calm with SSPDF soldiers “in full charge,” the displacement has disrupted aid operations, with groups like Catholic Relief Services (CRS) withdrawing to Bor town.