JUBA — At least one Somali national has reportedly been killed and a truck he was traveling in set ablaze in South Sudan’s road ambush along the Juba-Terekeka highway.
Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), said the incident occurred last week.
Gen. Lul accused the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), led by Dr. Riek Machar, of carrying out two separate ambushes on trucks traveling in opposite directions along Juba-Terekeka Road, resulting in one death and multiple hostages.
“The vehicle came under a surprise attack and was set ablaze. Unfortunately, one Somali national was killed in the incident,” Maj. Gen. Lul said in a statement released on Monday.
He stated that a second ambush occurred at around 11:30 a.m. at the same location, adding that “this time it involved a 30-ton commercial truck en route to Gok-Machar in Aweil North County.”
Lul disclosed that a vehicle carrying six passengers was hijacked and driven toward the SPLA-IO base at Bye Bye, adding that the attackers offloaded cargo into the nearby bush.
He revealed that security forces from the National Security Service’s Internal Security Bureau (NSS-ISB), led by Colonel Makoi Mayiei, launched a pursuit and later engaged to rescue the hostages in what he described as a “successful meeting engagement.”
He said the operation led to the rescue of four hostages: one South Sudanese and three Sudanese nationals.
“During their 48-hour ordeal, the hostages were subjected to physical torture,” Maj. Gen. Lul stated. “They were robbed of five smartphones and personal items, including 4 million South Sudanese pounds, which is roughly $600 USD.”
Maj. Gen. Lul stated that intelligence reports have also implicated some armed groups from Terekeka County, Central Equatoria State, in coordinating the operations with SPLA-IO rebels, including armed robberies, hijackings, and road ambushes.
“We strongly urge those involved in aiding SPLA-IO’s subversive activities to cease immediately. Failure to comply will result in targeted military operations.”
He advised civilians and transporters, particularly those without armed escorts, to avoid nighttime travel due to the increasing security risks.
“The army leadership wants to reassure the public that we remain committed to eliminating hostile threats along the main roads into and out of Juba.”
