Suspected raiders kill 8 in Unity state
June 2, 2013 (JUBA) – At least eight people were killed and seven others injured when hundreds of a well armed group attacked Abiemnom county in South Sudan’s Unity state, the area commissioner told Sudan Tribune Sunday.
The attackers, according to Arop Turuk, were clad in “full military attire” and possessed modern weapons. They allegedly raided and drove away thousands of cattle during the attack.
“Something unusual took place. It was not expected. Hundreds of well armed groups, group in full military attire and possessing heavy weapons. They had RPGs [Rocket Propeller Guns], hand held grenades and all types of modern weapons. They launched an attack on the area today [Sunday at around 3:15 am early this morning,” the commissioner exclusively told Sudan Tribune.
They killed 8 people instantly and wounded 7 others and drove away hundred of cows, he added.
The attackers, the commissioner claimed, are suspected to have come from Unity’s state, adding that attempts to contact his Mayom county counterpart on how the stolen cows could be recovered did not succeed.
The Commissioner, however, said youth groups who tried to follow the stolen cattle came under heavy gunfire from the attackers, forcing them to retreat back.
“You could tell they [attackers] were real professional soldiers from the way dressed and they type of weapons they were carrying. They were fully organised”, he said.
Chol Deng, a member of parliament representing the area in the Unity state assembly confirmed the attack, which he also blamed on youth from neighbouring Mayom.
“It is true there was an attack today at 3:15 am. It was well organised attack by group carry sophisticated weapons, including heavy machine guns. They have killed people and drove away cows, which were in the cattle camps. Some cows have been recovered when youth tried to follow but a significant number was taken. They headed towards the direction of Mayom County”, Deng said by phone from Abiemnom County on Sunday.
He further revealed that local youth who tried to trail the attackers, hoping to lay siege on their village and recover the stolen cows, were instead utmaneuvered when they fell into the ambush laid by the raiders.
(ST)