S. Sudan rebels claim 500 government soldiers killed in Unity state clashes

April 14, 2014 (KAMPALA) – South Sudanese rebels claim that over 500 government soldiers were killed in clashes in Unity state’s Rubkona county on Monday.

Rebel military spokesman Lt. Col. Peter Riek Gew told Sudan Tribune by phone that rebels were now in full control of Rubkona and Mayom counties, as well as the oil fields in to the north of the state capital, Bentiu.

Gew also confirmed the death of four rebel soldiers who were killed during the fighting.
Heavy fighting broke out near remote oil installations over the weekend between government forces loyal to president Salva Kiir and rebels aligned with former vice-president Riek Machar.

Multiple sources in the region said heavy gun fire resumed on Monday afternoon and continued on Tuesday morning, forcing civilians to flee to UN camps in Rubkona.

Residents in the UN camp in Rubkotna told Sudan Tribune that they had witnessed two tanks pass by with soldiers from the South Sudanese army (SPLA) fleeing from rebels.

Sources on the ground have also confirmed that Rubkotna county has fallen into rebel hands, saying fighting is continuing around the bridge linking to Bentiu capital.

Meanwhile, one resident at the camp told Sudan Tribune that Unity state’s deputy governor, Mabeak Lang De Mading, had been refused entry to the UN compound.

“I saw the deputy governor dress[ed] in military uniform trying to remove his uniform this afternoon (Monday), but UNMISS have locked him out,” the eyewitness said.

Sudan Tribune has learnt that SPLA forces from Leer county have withdrawn from the area after hearing of the capture of Rubkona on Monday.

It is not known whether the SPLA are withdrawing from the area or returning to Bentiu for reinforcements.

(ST)