Fierce fighting erupts near Malakal as SSPDF, Agwelek clash with civilians

JUBA – Fierce fighting erupted on Sunday afternoon after soldiers belonging to South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) and the rebel Agwelek led by General Johnson Olony Thabo clashed with civilians from Jonglei state, according to a statement extended to Sudans Post.

In a statement, the SPLA-IO Kitgwang said the fighting begun when the Gawaar White Army were attacked while on their way to Fangak County near Wau-Shilluk, but they defeated the SSPDF and the Agwelek forces.

“Today on the 11/Dec/2022, the joint operation of the Government Forces ( the SSPDF) and its allies Agwelek militia forces attacked the Greater Fangak Nuer Civil defense ( white army) on the outskirt of Wau-Shiluk on their way back home to Fangak and Ayod Counties,” he said in a statement yesterday.

“The Joint forces of SSPDF and the Collo Agwelek militia were seriously defeated by armed Civilians of Greater Fangak and they are now in disarray,” he added.

The senior opposition military officer further said that South Sudan presidential security advisor Gen. Tut Gatluak and intelligence chief General Akol Koor Kuc are to blame for the ongoing killing in Upper Nile state.

“The joint operation that had waged by SSPDF and its allies Agwelek militia forces against armed civilians’ youth is a continuation of SSPDF and Collo- Agwelek militia join attack on Civilians armed youth of greater Fangak in West of Kodok on the 07/ 12/202 and the Government Forces (the SSPDF) use infantry ground and helicopters gunship,” he said.

“The initial act to launch unprovoked attack sponsored by national security’s head Gen. Akol Kur Kuch and presidential security Advisor Hon. Tut Gatluak Manime on Greater Fangak Nuer innocent civilians is what brought about the ethnic pogrom we are seeing today,” he added.

“Also, the Juba based government clearly take a side by greenlight and facilitate the moment of the barges from Atar via Malakal to Kodok and provide necessary supplies to Agwelek forces.”