Over 160 killed as army, rebels clash in S. Sudan

March 28, 2013 (JUBA/BOR) – At least 160 people were killed and over 70 wounded when South Sudan army (SPLA) and rebels clashed in the country’s largest, but remote Jonglei state, officials told Sudan Tribune Thursday.

Phillip Aguer, the SPLA spokesperson said the army killed more than 140 rebels from David Yauyau forces, lost about 20 of its gallant soldiers, while 70 civilian died during the clash.

“Our forces remain in control of the situation and are determined to put an end to the rebellion in the area,” Aguer said by phone.

He said the army is committed to bring to an end the rebellion, which has left up to 17,000 displaced people, according to the United Nations, in urgent need for food assistance in Jonglei.

Yauyau, who is from the minority Murle ethnic group, started his rebellion in 2010 after losing an election bid to become a member of the state parliament representing Gumruk. In response to an amnesty offer by Kiir in 2011, the rebel leader returned to Juba, only to re-launch his rebellion in April last year.

Since then, clashes between the army (SPLA) and forces loyal to the rebel leader have gravely affected the security situation in Jonglei, with the latest peace attempt seen as key in efforts to salvage peace in the region.

Kuol Manyang, the state Governor told Parliament on Monday that lack of access roads in the area has immensely contributed to the insecurity in the region, as organized forces find it difficult access locations where incidences occur.

The official, who was briefing lawmakers in the security situation in his troubled state, said the army, despite several challenges, has managed to contain the rebels allegedly backed by the Khartoum government.

In recent weeks, the SPLA says it registered considerable success in dislodging the rebels from their hideouts. Gen. Gony Biliu, a senior army official recently told Sudan Tribune that they destroyed or captured several rebel bases, leaving the rebels on the run in to forests.

The rebels, according to the army, has lost direct battles and has resorted to the guerrilla warfare, dividing themselves into groups of 10 and 20, and laying ambushes to intercept the movements of the SPLA before melting back into the bush.
(ST).