Gatwech says 5 generals allied to Machar killed during renewed Magenis fighting 

JUBA – At least five senior commanders belonging to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny were killed on Monday when their forces clashed with forces loyal to holdout opposition commander General Simon Gatwech Dual in northern Upper Nile, an opposition spokesman allied to Gatwech has claimed.

Brig. Gen. William Gatjiath Deng, the spokesman of the breakaway SPLA-IO faction claimed that their forces came under yet another attack from forces loyal to Machar resulting in a fierce fighting that he said has so far claimed the life of at least five senior opposition commanders allied to Machar.

“Today this morning at around 5:00AM, East African Time, heavy fighting was on, between the forces loyal to the First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, and the forces under the command of 1st/Lt General Simon Gatwech Dual, at Magenis,” Gatjiath said in a statement extended to Sudans Post.

“The battle lasted for (6) hours and later on, led to the fall of the three bases, “Amut, Korwai and Kola respectively. The deadly battle claimed many lives including the (5) generals out of junior officers, NCOs, and men at the side of the enemy,” he said.

Gatjiath said one military vehicle with Zuu-23, one 14.5 machines guns, two recoils, one BM-12, one Zuu-23, two 82MM, six 12.7, 34 PKM and AK-47 were captured during the fighting.