BREAKING NEWS – SPLA repulses Luo-Nuer attack on Pibor barracks

January 2, 2012 (BOR) — South Sudan’s army say that armed members of the Lou Nuer ethnic group attacked Pibor military barrack today but the army managed to repulse the assault.

Speaking on phone with Sudan Tribune from Juba, Col. Philip Aguer declined to give figures for those killed and injured.

Civilians from Murle community took refuge at the SPLA unit on Saturday when Lou Nuer youth attacked the town.

Over 20,000 people have been displaced by the attack.

The Luo Nuer say they are taking revenge for a Murle attack on their territory in August. Over 1,000 have been killed in fighting between the two groups since June.

As well as raiding cattle the Luo Nuer say they want women and children abducted in August to be returned by the Murle.

The UN has advised civilians to flee the area. The military and UN are sending more troops to try and stop the Luo-Nuer moving further south into Murle territory.

(ST)