SSPDF denies link to Maiwut fighting

By Simon Deng

South Sudan people’s Defense forces has not been involved in the recent armed confrontation which left one soldier dead at Wang Kuarbiy in Maiwut County in Upper Nile state, said Maj.Gen.Lul Ruai Koang.

“There were reports that there was fighting between SSPDF and SPLA-IO which was not true, it was a fight among rival SPLA-IO officers and other ranks, the fighting happened in the SPLA-IO controlled areas and then the splinter group was supported by armed civilians,” said Koang.

Koang was responding to a report released by opposition on Sunday.

According to the opposition media official statement released on Sunday, the clashes occurred at Wang Kuarbiy, which is under the control of the SPLA-IO, after elements belonging to the SSPDF left their trenches at Turow in Maiwut County to attack the SPLA-IO position.

“Some disgruntle officers and NCOs from SPLA-IO supported by armed civilians with known history of forcefully freeing gang members and kinsmen whenever they are arrested stormed makeshift detention facility manned by SPLA-IO soldiers prompting armed confrontation,” said Koang.

Meanwhile in Unity state, over the weekend, forces allegedly believe to be defectors attacked SPLA-IO forces at Mirmir Cantonment site.