JUBA — Authorities in the Ruweng Administrative Area have claimed that the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) have regained control of the strategic border area of Wunkur, following reported clashes with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO).
On Sunday, April 19, the SPLA-IO announced that it had regained control of Wunkur following heavy clashes with government-aligned forces.
In a press release, SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Pual Gabriel said a combined force of the group’s National Mobile Forces and White Army fighters launched a counteroffensive in response to an earlier attack by joint forces of SSPDF, Agwelek, and armed youth from Parieng.
According to reports by SPLA-IO, two Land Cruiser vehicles mounted with heavy 12.7mm machine guns were seized in addition to various medium-range and light infantry weapons and ammunition.
Unverified images circulating on social media suggested that SSPDF soldiers were taken captive during the morning military contest in Wunkur.
In a statement issued on Monday, James Monyluak Mijok, Ruweng minister of information, claimed government forces successfully recaptured the area after recent fighting, restoring control in the strategic border area.
Monyluak did not immediately provide details on the scale of the confrontation or any casualties.
“Today, April 20, 2026, the SSPDF’s gallant forces drove out the SPLA-IO and White Army forces from Wunkur County, Ruweng Administrative Area, especially after the SSPDF made a tactical withdrawal from the town,” Monyluak said.
He said opposition forces seized control of the Wunkur area on Sunday after government troops voluntarily withdrew from their key positions.
“The SSPDF forces are in full control of Wunkur County headquarters as of this evening. Greater Ruweng Administrative Area condemns the ongoing aggression of Ruweng Administrative Area by the opposition forces under the leadership of suspended first vice president, Dr. Riek Machar Teny,” he said.
Wunkur borders Sudan’s South Kordofan state to the north, Upper Nile State (Panyikang County) to the east, Jonglei State to the southeast, and Unity State to the south and west.
