S. Sudanese army chief warns rebels over recent attacks

January 3, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudan army chief, Gen. Paul Malong Awan said provocative attacks from the country’s army opposition groups will force pro-government troops to retaliate in defense.

“They have been attacking our positions these days in Nasir and are amassing to launch major offensive during this coming dry season. They are boasting of weapons they have been supplied with by the countries wanting to destabilise this country, Gen. Awan told senior officers from the army’s third division on Saturday.

He accused unnamed country of support to the armed opposition, equating it to a stubborn child, which bites the hand of another child and cries louder when the bite is returned with a pinch.

“It is one of the countries which do not appreciate the benefit of peaceful relations and has been working with clear intention is to destabilise us. They have openly helped Riek [Machar] and his group to recruit and trained people they want to send and fight us this dry season,” stressed the senior army official.

“We know this plan, we will fold our hands and watch,” he added.

The army, Gen. Awan said, will not allow external aggressors militarily distablilise a nation, which has experienced over a year of conflict.

“If they want to destroy our country, we will destroy them too”, he warned.

He said world’s youngest nation was preparing for all possible options to defend its territorial integrity as well as the constitution.

“We have a mission to accomplish. We have the responsibility to defend this country from external aggression and those that are posing threats and harmful to the nation,” said Gen. Awan.

“So we must ready and prepare for all possible options”, he stressed.

(ST)