40 killed after UPDF bombs villages in Jonglei: rebels

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

March 5, 2014 (ADDIS ABABA) – Members of the SPLM/N-in-opposition alleged on Wednesday that 40 civilians were killed after Ugandan fighter jets bombed rebel positions in South Sudan’s Jonglei state.

Rebel sources in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, told Sudan Tribune that three Ugandan gunships and two jets bombed Nyirol county on Saturday.

The casualties reportedly included women after the Pamay, Pulbura, Gadiang and Wechkol villages were targeted. The victims are said to be all ethnic Nuers.

Rebel sources said there were no casualties among their troops, although a significant number of cattle were allegedly killed as a result.

The rebels further alleged that the Ugandan forces used cluster bombs during the attack, calling on the international community to step in and investigate.

Sudan Tribune was unable to independently verify the allegations.

Rebel forces have called on the UN, African Union (AU) and East African bloc the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to take a stronger stance, saying the bodies risked losing their credibility.

(ST)