Paul Malong forces kill six South Sudanese troops: spokesman

February 11, 20212 (JUBA) – Rebel forces loyal to Gen Peul Malong killed six government soldiers in recent clashes that occurred outside Rumbek of Lakes State, a military spokesman said on Friday.

Philip Deng Kuol Nguot, Deputy Spokesman of the South Sudan United Front/Army (SSUF/A) accused the government army of attacking their position in the War-Adhiric area of Rumbek Central County, Lakes State, on February 9.

The SSUFA forces repulsed that assailant troops, according to Nguot.

He added that they inflicted heavy losses on the SSDF killing six soldiers and wounding two others.

Also, they captured 9 AKA 47 rifles and 1 PKM machine gun.

The South Sudanese army did not issue a statement on this operation.

The SSUF/A and other non-signatory groups members of the South Sudan Opposition Movements Alliance (SSOMA) agreed to commit to the cessation of hostilities agreement of December 2017 in a deal signed in Rome with the South Sudanese government on January 12, 2020.

Also, the SSUF is part of a peace process mediated by the Sant’Egidio community in a bid to bring the holdout groups to join the revitalized peace agreement of September 2018.

The military spokesman called on the African Union, IGAD, the international community as well as the Sant’Egidio to probe the attack.

He further reiterated their commitment to the IGAD brokered peace process.

(ST)