(HEGLIG, SUDAN BORDER) – A senior military source confirmed that three South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers were killed on Tuesday after a drone strike by the Sudanese army targeted the Heglig area.
The soldiers were part of a South Sudanese contingent deployed to the Heglig oil field under a coordinated arrangement between the rival Sudanese factions. South Sudan’s government has officially notified authorities in Port Sudan of the incident and explained the circumstances of its forces’ presence in the oil producing region.
The source said that Juba has also briefed Sudan on the ongoing withdrawal of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) from the surroundings of Heglig. Once the withdrawal is complete, South Sudanese units are expected to take full responsibility for securing and protecting the oil installations.
In a related development, a high level South Sudanese security delegation is scheduled to visit Port Sudan in the coming days for consultations. Talks will focus on security coordination, developments in Heglig, and procedures for transferring Sudanese Armed Forces officers and soldiers back into Sudan.
Officials said these developments highlight South Sudan’s growing role in facilitating security arrangements and reducing the risk of escalation in the volatile Heglig area.
Key Security Developments at Heglig Oil Field
| Development | Details |
|---|---|
| Drone strike | Sudanese army targeted area; 3 SSPDF soldiers killed |
| SSPDF deployment | South Sudan contingent secures Heglig oil field |
| RSF withdrawal | Ongoing coordination for RSF exit from oil area |
| Security consultations | South Sudan delegation to visit Port Sudan |
| Future responsibilities | SSPDF to take full security control post-RSF withdrawal |
