General Cirilo’s rebels claim responsibility for death Igga’s bodyguards

JUBA – South Sudan’s rebel group, National Salvation Front (NAS), led by General Thomas Cirilo Swaka, has claimed responsibility for the attack which killed six bodyguards of the country’s vice-president James Wani Igga.

The attack took place near Lobonok Payam, an area in Central Equatoria state where the country’s capital is located, after then unidentified gunmen ambushed a convoy belonging to vice-president Igga killing six and wounding two.

One officer who was missing is said to have been kidnapped.

In a statement, the NAS claimed responsibility for the attack.

“The Leadership of National Salvation Front (NAS) informs its members, supporters, the people of South Sudan and members of the International Community about the latest development on the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) aggression on NAS positions.

“Wednesday 19th August 2020, at Kuse Pager, Luwala Boma, Lo’bonok County a small mobile force of NAS ambushed a reconnaissance Toyota Land Crusher Pick-up belonging to the bodyguards of the Vice President James Wani Igga. Six (6) bodyguards of VP were killed in action and several others wounded; five (5) AK47 rifles and different quantities of ammunition captured in good condition; including the Pick-up vehicle which was later burnt down.

“The gallant NAS surgical force withdrew successfully to its base. NAS command in Lo’bonok has been monitoring the reconnaissance mission of this Toyota Pick-up for sometimes. The Pick-up is often used by SSPDF to collect intelligence information on NAS defensive positions in preparation for attacks and displacement of civilians in the villages.

“NAS Leadership commends NAS Command in the area, Officers and other ranks in Lo’bonok for this successful operation aimed at destroying the enemy intelligence capability. NAS is monitoring the movement of the enemy troops closely and assure its members that the NAS gallant revolutionary combatants are ready to fight back any aggression against its positions.

“NAS reiterates its commitment to the Cessions of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) signed on 21st December 2017 in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, and to the Rome Declaration signed on 20th January 2020 in Rome Italy. NAS however, reserves the right to self-defense.”