South Sudan experienced heightened tension on Saturday morning as clashes broke out between government forces and opposition fighters in Yei River County. Both sides provided conflicting reports on the outcome of the skirmish.
The Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) and their allies, the National Salvation Front-Thomas Cirillo (NAS-TC), claimed a successful offensive that led to the capture of two strategic military outposts.
In a press release issued by SPLA-IO spokesperson Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel, it was reported that a joint force launched attacks on the SSPDF bases of Lasu and Libogo at around 5:00 a.m. Colonel Lam stated that 12 government soldiers were killed and a significant amount of weapons, including a Land Cruiser mounted with a 14.5mm gun, a 120mm mortar, and a 12.7mm machine gun, were seized. He also mentioned the loss of five SPLA-IO fighters during the operation.
Yei River County Commissioner Emmanuel TabanSeme, however, dismissed the opposition’s claims as mere propaganda. While acknowledging the attack, Commissioner Taban asserted that government forces successfully repelled the assault, emphasizing that there were no casualties on their side.
Addressing the media, Commissioner Taban stated, “This was a routine rebel attack that we effectively countered. Their presence was short-lived, and the situation was swiftly brought under control.”
In a separate development, SPLA-IO forces and armed youth reportedly intercepted and neutralised SSPDF elements who were allegedly harassing and looting civilians in Jikmiir on Friday. The SPLA-IO claimed all weapons were reclaimed in this operation, though the national government has not commented on this incident.
