S. Sudan tightens security after deadly road attacks
April 22, 2013 (JUBA) – South Sudan security forces have tightened security on roads leading to the capital, Juba, after two separate attacks on civilians and vehicles along its major highways.
Both attacks, he stressed, occurred very close to one another.
“The first incident occurred at around 13:30hrs, on the Juba-Torit road, around 25Km from Juba, near Mangala between Nesitu junction and Torit. According to information received from eyewitnesses and a military convoy moving on the same route, armed attackers ambushed a mini bus, leaving one woman confirmed dead, [while] another lady was allegedly abducted,” he said.
Enoka further said SPLA forces, who visited the scene, are still pursuing the attackers, who reportedly stole cash, cell phones and other valuables.
“No arrest has been reported yet,” the police spokesperson said Monday.
In a separate incident, two men armed with AK-47 rifles, allegedly attacked two commercial trucks hired by the UN World Food Programme (WFP), which was plying the 192km Juba-Nimule road.
The attack, police said, occurred between 1700 and 1800hrs, about 30km from the South Sudan capital. Three people reportedly died in the attack.
But Enoka said government has put the situation under control, with security forces now stationed at several security checkpoints and mobile patrols instituted on these roads.
He however advised all road users, including UN agencies, international organisations and mission staff, to rely on field escorts provided by security forces to avoid similar attacks.
(ST)