SPLA denies capture of South Sudanese soldiers In Upper Nile
June 15, 2015 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese army spokesperson has denied the armed opposition’s claims to have captured pro-government forces, challenging the rebels of those allegedly captured in clashes over control of Kaka in Upper Nile state on Sunday.
He said government roops have been responding to repeated attacks from militias of Gen. Johnson Olony, who until recently allied to the government of president Salva Kiir.
“If they have captured some SPLA soldiers, let them [rebels] show them to you [the media],” said Aguer.
“Let them [rebels] call the press and let them show where those soldiers are,” he added.
The armed opposition forces loyal to South Sudan’s former vice president Riek Machar claimed their forces captured an SPLA field commander in Kaka. The rebels further claimed to have inflicted heavy casualties on the army and allegedly killed 60 of them.
Sudan Tribune could not, however, independently confirm the armed opposition’s claims.
Aguer admitted there was clashes on Sunday and continued through Monday, but strongly dismissed claims that government forces had violated the ceasefire.
“[Gen] Olony has been attacking SPLA in Malakal. They [rebels] wanted to capture the oilfields, they went to Melut and they were defeated. They think the whole world is fool but they will not fool most of the South Sudanese,” Aguer told Sudan Tribune.
He said the army headquarters in Juba was still awaiting official reports from field commanders to ascertain if the SPLA lost some soldiers or if others were missing.
Olony, a former rebel leader until 2013, changed sides last month and declared allegiance to Machar’s rebel group. His forces have been battling for control of several areas with the government in oil rich Upper Nile state for the last one month.
(ST)