10 civilians killed while fleeing South Sudan territory: sources
December 29, 2014 (BENTIU) – At least 10 civilians were killed as they attempted to flee Unity state’s capital, Bentiu in to Sudan, sources within the displaced peoples’ camp said Monday.
He said the group left Bentiu on Saturday prior to the incident. Gatgach blamed pro-government forces for allegedly carrying out the tragic killings.
“These people were simply killed because they want to cross from South Sudan to the Sudanese territory for safety reasons. Many of them (IDPs) used to escape from the camp heading to Sudan as they fear continues attacks from both warring parties,” he said.
The armed opposition military spokesperson separately confirmed the incident in a statement he extended to Sudan Tribune on Monday.
“A total of 16 civilians, 5 of whom were women lost their lives in separate targeted killing by [Salva] Kiir’s tribal army and allied militias in two of Unity state’s nine counties,” said Brig. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang.
Those killed, he added, were ambushed allegedly by pro-government forces and “deliberately” shot as they headed towards Sudan.
Sudan Tribune could not easily substantiate these claims despite repeated attempts to reach South Sudanese army (SPLA) officials.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) said its protection of civilian site at Tomping in Juba has been closed by 28 December and all the remaining internally displaced persons (IDPs) inside the site have been voluntarily relocated to another site near the UN House property on the outskirts of the capital.
Currently, approximately 33,000 internally displaced persons are reportedly being protected by UNMISS in Juba, with some 102,000 persons nationwide.
(ST).