Rival South Sudan forces clash in Upper Nile town
March 15, 2015 (KAMPALA) – Clashes occurred in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state on Sunday between pro-government forces and its armed opposition groups, with the latter claiming to have regained control of Gabat, a town east of Manyo county.
Malith Koang Riaw, the armed opposition spokesperson told Sudan Tribune they recaptured from the government a very strategic town.
He said rebels inflicted heavy losses on government forces, capturing several ammunitions, claims Sudan Tribune could not easily ascertain.
“Four of soldiers have been confirmed dead and 15 other soldiers suffered serious injuries,” the rebel spokesperson disclosed on Sunday.
South Sudan army spokesperson, Col. Phillip Aguer, confirmed the clashes in Upper Nile, but could not provide substantial details on what actually transpired.
Fighting between South Sudan’s warring parties has intensified days after their leaders failed to reach a final peace deal in Addis Ababa.
The rebels accused government of allegedly violating several cessation of hostilities agreements they both signed, but are yet to ensure they hold in principle.
South Sudanese leaders could face sanctions after the United Nations Security Council recently passed a resolution for the formation of a committee to identify those impeding its peace process.
(ST)