![Gen. Simon Maguek Gai at the SPLM House in Juba announcing his defection to SSPDF from SPLA-IO Saturday, October 7, 2023 [Photo by Sudans Post]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/392881121_7484115328283275_2295729599489246833_n.jpg?resize=850%2C539&quality=89&ssl=1)
Speaking to Sudans Post on Tuesday night, Maguek also accused the SPLA-IO of obstructing his visit to his birthplace, Pilieny.
He refuted claims that his forces instigated the confrontation, asserting that the SPLA-IO initiated the assault which he said occurred in Leer town, and not at Kaigai, as claimed by SPLA-IO.
“The attack was initiated by the SPLA-IO against my forces, openly led by Dr. Riek who brought in troops from the Ayod direction. Approximately 380 soldiers and officers joined the forces already stationed here,” he stated.
Expressing frustration, Gai highlighted his prolonged stay in Leer while being denied access to his ancestral village by Riek’s forces.
He emphasized that his troops are acting in self-defense and dismissed allegations that people were worried about his presence in Leer.
“Why would people be afraid of me?” he asked. “That’s not true. I am a son of Leer. I have been here in Leer for several weeks, and I am being prevented by Riek’s forces from visiting my home village where I was born up to this day.”
Gai confirmed the death of Brigadier General Nyuon Dhoal and two other injuries within his ranks.
He also reported that four houses were torched by the SPLA-IO in Kulier village, thankfully without civilian casualties.
“I heard that four houses were set on fire by the SPLA-IO at a place called Kulier. Thankfully no civilian has been wounded or killed,” he said, assuring the residents of Leer that his forces were acting solely in self-defense, urging them not to fear.
Fighting erupted in Leer on Tuesday morning between the SSPDF and the SPLA-IO following attack on Kaigai, an opposition held village outside Leer, resulting in the displacement of around 700 people.
The SPLA-IO has claimed that it killed eight soldiers from the SSPDF’s side, while one person was killed from their site.
