Rebel group claims destruction of SPLA unit
June 9. 2015 (MARIDI) – A spokesperson for the Revolutionary Movement for National Salvation (REMNASA), a South Sudanese rebel group, claimed their forces on Tuesday destroyed a production unit belonging to government troops loyal to president, Salva Kiir.
“The two platoons were heading to Maridi from their base suited six kilometers on Rumbek road. They were on foots to Maridi to reinforce, where they fall in our ambush,” the rebel movement claimed in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.
“Our patriotic forces killed 5 andwounded serious others; as well captured 6 rifles including a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RBG), with several rounds of ammunitions, and scattered them in the jungle”, it added.
According to the rebel official, the confrontation happened after their forces stationed in a nearby area were informed of the situation in Maridi and were heading to rescue civilians from the SPLA, as the two platoons of the army headed to reinforce their colleagues.
“Thus our valiant forces of REMNASA ambushed them after received earlier information about their mission to Maridi, as they left their base,” the rebespokespersonon said.
He also accused the national army of allgedly committing several atrocities against residents of Maridi, citing killings, burning of houses and looting of civilians’ properties.
These allegations could, however, not be independently verified by the Sudan Tribune.
The chaos, the rebel official claims, started after a youth from Maridi had misunderstanding with a Dinka tribesman whose cattle encroached to his farm, destroying the farm.
“Instead of apologizing for the damage his cattle caused to the young man’s field; he (Dinka tribesman) resorted to fight him in the presence of dozens of his Dinka tribesmen,” the rebel official said.
He added, “On top, they (Dinka triesbmen) called on their brothers within the ranks and structures of the security forces, who came and arrested this local young man. Thus, the local youths reacted and used sticks to beat the cows whichresulted chaos in Maridi on tribal lines – between the locals, and Dinka tribesmen.”
The Dinka youth were allegely supported by their tribesmen within the ranks and structures of SPLA and National Security started reportedly shot at the local youths where they killed at least one, while the latter retaliated by killing several cows.
“As the Dinka tribesmen were overpowered by the local youths, they ran to the SPLA headquarters (military garrison) and reported that they are being attacked by rebels,” the group’s spokesperson further claimed.
“Thus, the SPLA were dispatched from the Garrison, instead of calming the situation, they resorted to destroy houses and to kill civilians randomly – from Line Zira to Dar tick – Hai Soura”, he alleged.
“The worst scenario was a woman and her children, together with her husband was burnt to death in their house by the SPLA,” added the official.
The rebel group cautioned the general populations to refrain from tribal politics, which they claimed was dangerous for national unity and coexistence in the young nation.
(ST).