JUBA – South Sudan opposition commander Gen. Tito Biel Wich who defected from the main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) last month has attacked an opposition base in Unity State days after threatening the group to handover weapons he claimed were left behind when he defected.
Speaking to Sudans Post this evening, a senior SPLA-IO officer said the attack occurred during the morning hours of Tuesday when a group of armed soldiers loyal to Gen. Tito Biel opened fired against SPLA-IO trainees in Kaljak, 20KM outside Bentiu town.
“The forces of General Tito Biel Wich on Tuesday at 6 AM attacked our training center in Kaljak and with this attack; they were not able to defeat us. We defeated and scattered them in disarray and there are heavy casualties on their site and we are still searching the bush for their dead,” he said.
The officer who requested not to be named said at least 13 people from the attacking forces were killed and two others captured while three people were wounded from the side of the SPLA-IO with slight wounds.
“On Tuesday, the number of dead people stood at ten, but yesterday, we found at least 3 more people succumbed into their wounds bringing their number of the people who died from their side to 13 people,” he said.
“On our side, there is a small number of casualties. On three people were wounded and they are responding to medication very well. Now, there is an emerging number of casualties from their side and we will update you soon,” the officer added.
He accused the governor of Unity State of transporting arms to Tumur where the attack was planned and said there is an indication that the attack will repeat itself in the next few days.
“The plan is the plan of Unity State Governor Nguen Manytuil Wijang. He transported guns to Tumur and the guns are now being used to attack the SPLA-IO,” the officer said.
