NAS fighters repulse fresh attacks by South Sudanese army

January 13, 2022 (JUBA) – The National Salvation Front (NAS) repelled an attack by the South Sudanese army in Lobonok Payam, Juba County of Central Equatoria State.

According to a statement issued on Thursday, the two-axis attack occurred on January 5, when the government forces, SSPDF, in Lobonok launched an attack on NAS positions in the area.

“These SSPDF operations, however, suffered a serious setback as NAS gallant forces resisted the enemy attacks and contained the operation resulting in the hasty and dejected withdrawal of SSPDF,” said NAS Spokesman Suba Samuel Manase.

He added that they are alarmed about the fate of 14 civilians including local chiefs women and youth arrested by the authorities after the attack on charges of supporting the holdout group.

“The SSPDF as usual, when faced with defeat, often revenge by discharge their anger on innocent civilians,” said after denying any link between them and the armed group.

Manse further called on human rights groups to investigate such gross human rights committed by the government forces against civilians.

Also, he reaffirmed their commitment to the Cessions of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) signed on 21st December 2017 in Addis Ababa, and to the Rome Declaration signed on 12th January 2020 in Rome Italy.

(ST)