BENTIU – At least five soldiers from the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in Opposition (SPLA-IO) were reportedly killed during renewed clashes with the South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) in Ngony Payam of Koch County, Unity State, according to government sources.
Nyakenya Johannes Keah Ruai, Unity State Information Minister, told Sudans Post on Saturday the renewed violence occurred on Friday after SSPDF soldiers who had defected to SPLA-IO last year attacked government forces.
“The fighting that occurred on Thursday in Ngony Payam of Koch County between SSPDF and SPLA-IO resulted in the deaths of five soldiers from SPLA-IO. There were no fatalities or injuries reported on the government side,” Johannes said.
She stated that the SPLA-IO group is led by General Gatluak Dor Magok, who left the SSPDF last year to join the SPLA-IO.
“The commissioner of Koch County informed me that the group led by Gatluak Dor Magok contacted him to seek peace and requested his presence in Koch. The commissioner asked whether he would be coming to Koch as a representative of SPLA-IO or as a young man from Koch who is aware of the crimes committed.”
She said the commissioner of Koch County informed her that Gatluak Dor Magok came to Koch County to facilitate the peace process, but fighting broke out with SSPDF troops.
“Five SPLM-IO members loyal to suspended first vice president Dr. Riek Machar Teny were killed, with Gatluak Dor Magok as the leader. The individuals involved include Gatbiel Manyang Wuor and his brother, who defected in 2025 at the Koch town market,” she stated.
Johannes stated that the situation returned to normal following clashes between SSPDF and SPLA-IO forces.
Eyewitnesses reported to Sudan Post that the violence started when the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces ambushed the armed youth, killing five of them.
“The conflict took place yesterday morning, involving the SSPDF and armed youth from Koch County. It is unclear if these individuals are affiliated with the SPLA-IO,” the eyewitness said.
