Malong’s field commander in Unity state captured in government-laid ambush

JUBA – The field commander of South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) led by General Paul Malong Awan Anei in Unity state has been captured following an ambush laid by government forces in Mayom county, the opposition group said this evening.

According to a statement extended to Sudans Post by the SSUF/A spokesman Chol Duang, Lieutenant Colonel James Cherey Geek was on vacation to Ruath Lual village when he was traced and ambushed at his residence by members of the South Sudan army.

“SSUF/A’s Field Commander in Unity STATE, Lt. Col. James Cherey Geek has been captured by a government force in a dawn ambush in Ruath Lual village of Mayom county in Unity State. Lt. Col. Cherey had traveled with a few soldiers from our base to Ruath Lual village to visit his family on Monday, 05 July, 2021,” the statement reads in part.

“Immediately he arrived at his house, Lt. Col. Geek was located and attacked by the government forces in a brief fight that lasted for 30 minutes. He was, however, outnumbered and captured along with his bodyguard,” it added.

The statement said the opposition forces has in recent weeks witnessed increased aggression by government forces despite the ongoing efforts by regional and European powers to bring the two sides to an agreement to end the war, and said the attacks amounts to unwillingness to end the conflict.

“Over the last few days, SSUFIA has witnessed renewed aggression on our bases from the regime army in a brazen disregard to the Cessation hostilities and ceasefire agreement — signed between SSOMA and government in January, 2020 and the ongoing Rome peace initiative,” the statement said.

“These unprovoked actions by the regime prove their unwillingness to observe the ceasefire agreement,” the statement added, before calling “upon the mediators, the region and the international community to ensure the safety of our captured commander Cherey Geek and his bodyguard, who are now being held captives by the SSPDF military.”

“These continual attacks on our forces across the country may lead to an all-out confrontation with SSPDF if they do not respect the cease-fire deal we have signed together.”

Rebel group threatens to ‘retaliate’

Contacted by Sudans Post, senior Malong-allied commander General Dickson Gatluak Jock said should the government continue to attack their forces in the area; they will not have the choice other than to retaliate to defense themselves.

“SSUF/A forces in Unity state are going to retaliate soon or later .If the government chooses war over peace, we are ready and have to go for it,” he told Sudans Post in an exclusive phone call.