S. Sudan accuses Sudanese army of killing 35 in air raids
November 3, 2014 (JUBA) – South Sudan claimed 35 of its civilian were killed and 17 others injured in an aerial bombing allegedly carried out by the Sudanese army (SAF) in Western Bahr el Ghazal state.
“The Sudanese jet fighters came yesterday (Sunday) morning and bombed the area. People are now terrified especially that it caused death,” Raja county commissioner, Hassan Jallab said on Monday.
“Thirty-five people have been killed and 17 others also wounded when an Antonov bomb landed in the heavily populated area,” he added.
The commissioner described the attack, which he largely blamed on the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), as “barbaric and unprovoked”.
He said several civilians have since fled Raja in fear of more bombings, and many reportedly took refuge in to nearby bushes.
Jallab called upon the government in Juba to intervene and assist the displaced people in Western Bahr el Ghazal state.
Phillip Aguer, the spokesperson of the South Sudanese army (SPLA), also confirmed the incident in a separate interview with Sudan Tribune on Monday.
“What we have now is that an Antonov bombed the area today morning,” Aguer said.
“We are still establishing the make of the plane but what we know is that the plane came from the direction of Sudan,” he added.
The zonal commander reportedly said 17 people were wounded during the attack.
“We are yet waiting for more reports on this,” said Aguer, adding that the SPLA would send an investigation team to Raja on Tuesday.
The alleged attack comes as president Salva Kiir prepares to travel to Khartoum for talks with his Sudanese counterpart, Omer Hassan al-Bashir, on Tuesday.
(ST)