South Sudan says rebels overrun strategic town in Central Equatoria
August 24, 2015 (JUBA) – South Sudanese government admitted that rebel forces under the leadership of former vice president, Riek Machar, unexpectedly overran a strategic town in central Equatoria state on Monday morning, causing panic and anxiety among the local population.
The group, according to the Security Advisor in Central Equatoria state, Brigadier General Abraham Wani, overran the police post and seized several riffles.
“The attack took place this morning at around 3:00am. They managed to overrun the police post and took away with them some rifles,” Wani told reporters on Monday.
The state official explained that there were no reports of casualties resulting from the attack but believed the attackers were rebels.
“Of course the way they carried out their operation shows that they are rebels,” he claimed.
He further explained that the police forces in the area were overpowered, but said nobody was killed.
He however added that people in all the payams and counties of the state should be on high alert and report such cases to the government as the rebels were mobilizing in the area.
Lainya town, home to government’s cabinet minister, Martin Elia Lomoro, is about 90kms south of the national capital, Juba, and about 70kms to Yei near the Ugandan border.
The spokesperson of the government forces was not available for comments on the incident.
Armed opposition leader’s spokesman, James Gatdet Dak, also confirmed to Sudan Tribune that their forces captured Lainya town before they tactically withdrew.
On Sunday, the rebel group issued a statement saying their forces clashed with government troops after the government forces attacked their position around Lainya area.
They said they repulsed government forces, destroying six trucks and killing 20 people.
The opposition group accused the government of trying to derail the peace agreement the rebel leader, Riek Machar, inked in Addis Ababa by resorting to military activity.
President Kiir is left with one week to sign the peace deal as international community warns of imminent action against the government if it refuses to join the rebel leader by signing the document to end the 20-month long conflict in the country.
(ST)