53 soldiers killed
Government troops in Southern Liech State clashed with rebels allied to former Vice President Dr. Riek Macher in Leer Town claiming 53 soldiers. The minister of information in the state said that government troops inflicted heavy casualty on the rebels. However, the rebel deputy spokesperson, Lam Paul Gabriel, said government troops attacked their positions but were repulsed in a two-hour battle that also wounded 93 others. Mr. Lam confirmed that five rebel soldiers were killed and four were wounded.
Four chiefs killed in an ambush
A group of local leaders were ambushed by gunmen in Poktap in Jonglei State as they traveled to Bor town. The gunmen attacked the vehicle they were traveling in and killed four chiefs wounding three others.
In a separate incident, gunmen attacked Bilinyang area in Jubek state and abducted three girls. The girls who were taken are reported to be about ten years old.
Jonglei death toll rises to 70
The death toll from last week’s attack in Jonglei State has risen to 70. This increase has been attributed to lack of necessary medical help. Information minister, Michael Makuei, announced that the army and police have been deployed to the area.
Last week, a group of armed youth attacked Duk Payuel County in Jonglei State, shot at people, abducted several and burnt down homes and town buildings. According to the information minister, there are still people missing after the attack.
Two rebel groups merge
The National People’s Alliance Forces (NPAF), an armed movement led by former Governor of Liech State Ruai Kuol Jal, announced that they were merging with the South Sudanese Freedom Movement (SSFM) led by Maj. Gen. Butros Rueh Bang. The spokesperson of the NPAF, Maj. Gen James Dok Puok, said, “We believed that collectively, we will forcefully unseat the Juba corrupted dictators who are not only looting South Sudan’s resources but also causing the destruction of human lives as well.”
MP shot in Uganda
A member of parliament representing Kajo Keji was shot dead on Wednesday while conducting consultations for the national dialogue in Uganda. Jacob Kuwinsuk Gale was meeting South Sudanese in Yumbe district in northern Uganda when he was shot by unknown gunmen and died on the way to the hospital.
