South Sudan rebels, gov’t forces clash in Western Equatoria

JUBA – South Sudan rebels under the leadership of former army chief Gen. Paul Malong Awan have said that their positions in Western Equatoria State have come under an intense attack from government forces, but said they repulsed the attack.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post this evening, South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) spokesman Col. Philip Deng Kuol said their forces were attacked during the afternoon hours of Saturday by South Sudan People’s Defense Forces.

“It was yesterday when an SSPDF forces under the command of Gen. Akech Adim, who also doubles as the Division (6) Deputy commander, were directed to launch a coordinated attacks on our military outpost in Lokomadi of Tambura County in Western Equatoria State,” he said in the statement extended to Sudans Post.

The statement said the government attack was repulsed at around 3:30PM local time with many loses incurred on the SSPDF including at least four soldiers being killed and four riffles being captured in good condition.

“In a retaliation during the attack at around 3:30 PM local time, our invincible forces loyal to Gen. Paul Malong Awan managed to repulse back the government attacking forces and scattered them in different directions. Meanwhile in the same process, the enemy forces escaped with heavy losses where (4) of them died on spot and over (4) rifles were recovered in a good condition,” the statement said.

While condemning the alleged attack, the SSUF/A spokesman said their intelligence department has gathered information indicating that government forces were reorganizing for yet another attack.

“And as we speak, our Military Intelligent has gathered the information that the regime is once more planning to carry out the phase (II) operations in the then hot spot Lokomadi SSUF/A forward base,” the statement said.

“Regarding these persistent attacks on our position in multiple frontlines, South Sudan United Front/Army leadership has condemned in its strongest term possible the continued provocation of Juba regime to our forces,” the statement added.

The statement further reiterated its “commitment to the 2017 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) and the Rome Resolution to allow all humanitarian organizations have an access, curb military engagements and pave a way to the ongoing political dialogue between the warring parties in Rome.”