JUBA – South Sudan opposition forces belonging to controversial leader of the breakaway Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) Kitgwang faction Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual have claimed control of an important opposition cantonment site in Unity state this morning.
In a statement, James Kalany Mamuon, the press secretary for General Gatwech who is a former SPLA-IO military chief of staff, said forces belonging to First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny attacked their position at Padeah, triggering a fierce response that resulted in the capture of the SPLA-IO cantonment site in Mirmir by Gen. Gatwech’s forces.
“This morning, the forces Loyal to FVP Riek Machar continues with their aggression against the SPLM-IO-KITGWANG and attack our positions in Padeah, outskirt of Koch County, Unity State,” Kalany said in the brief statement which is published on his personal Facebook profile.
The senior South Sudan main armed opposition official further claimed that their forces went on to retaliate and repulsed the attack capturing the SPLA-IO base in Mirmir which is designated by the parties to the revitalized peace agreement as a cantonment site for the SPLA-IO.
Mamuon further urged the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) command in Bilpam to interview so that the alleged attacks by First Vice President Machar’s forces are brought to end once and for all.
“Our forces managed to push the attackers, and results to the capturing of their base (Mirmir) and its surrounding. We urge SSPDF (BILPAM) to rein on Riek Machar’s forces to stop attacking our position as we keep maintaining peace across the Country,” he added.
Yesterday however, Kalany told Sudans Post that their forces were not in confrontation with the forces of First Vice President Machar and that reports of opposition infighting in the area does not involve the forces who recently declared their allegiance to General Gatwech.
