(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Heavy fighting between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Yei River County has left at least 17 soldiers dead, according to statements from opposition forces.
The clashes erupted early on Saturday at around 5:00 a.m. when SPLA-IO fighters attacked SSPDF positions in Lasu and Libogo, villages located about 25 kilometres southwest of Yei town. SPLA-IO spokesperson Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel said the attacks killed 12 SSPDF soldiers, while five opposition fighters also lost their lives. He added that several others were wounded on both sides, though casualty figures remain uncertain.
Colonel Lam further claimed that SPLA-IO fighters captured a significant amount of weaponry and equipment from government forces. Items reportedly seized included a Land Cruiser pickup fitted with a 14.5 mm gun, a 120 mm mortar, a 12.7 mm machine gun, and several assault rifles. “The weapons are in good working condition and will be redeployed for the protection of our forces,” he stated.
Residents of Yei reported heavy gunfire lasting through the morning, which caused widespread panic among civilians. Aid agencies have repeatedly warned that renewed clashes in the region could worsen the displacement crisis, with Yei already hosting thousands of internally displaced people and refugees who fled earlier fighting.
In a separate report, SPLA-IO forces in Upper Nile said on Friday that they intercepted SSPDF elements moving between Burabyie and Jikmir. The opposition accused the government troops of harassing civilians and looting property. They claimed to have forced the soldiers to retreat and said they recovered government weapons during the operation.
The SSPDF has not released any statement in response to either incident.
Yei, which lies close to the borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, has historically been a centre of conflict due to its strategic location. The latest clashes come at a time when the 2018 revitalised peace agreement faces mounting pressure. Concerns have grown since the detention of First Vice President Riek Machar in March, which was followed by confrontations between government forces and youth militias linked to the opposition.
