SSPDF defeated from Gumuruk town during attack by Dinka, Lou-Nuer armed youth

BOR – South Sudan army on Tuesday announced that it has withdrawn from Gumuruk town of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) following a join attack by the armed Nuer civilians known as the White Army and the Dinka Bor armed youth.

This comes after the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) warned of imminent attack in a statement last week which it said undermine the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement, calling on the government to exert more efforts in averting subnational violence.

In a statement, army spokesman Major-General Lul Ruai Koang said members of the White Army supported by unidentified armed group wearing green uniform (apparently Bor Dinka youth) attacked Gumuruk town displacing the SSPDF force stationed in the town.

“On December the 26th, 2022, in the afternoon, heavily armed members of the White Army supported by others wearing green uniforms launched simultaneous attacks on Gumuruk and Lokuangole towns in Greater Pibor Administrative Area,” he said.

“SSPDF Forces from Agrab Independent Brigade heroically fought in self-defense but withdrew from Gumuruk in early hours of December, 27, 2022. However, SSPDF forces are still in active combat at Kongor village of Lokuangole County,” the statement added.

The statement further warned that the government is preparing to dealt with the attack on the government held-town.

“SSPDF GHQS would like to categorically state that the attacks on government held towns of Gumuruk and Lokuangole are clear acts of rebellion that must be dealt with,” it assed.