Hundreds flee “heavy shooting” at Pibor airstrip: UN

January 7, 2016 (BOR) – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan said heavy shooting occured Wednesday at Pibor airstrip close to the UN compound in Jonglei state.

The mission, however, said reports on those involved in the fighting were still unclear.

“Some 260 civilians fled to the UNMISS compound for protection, but left a few hours later after the firing died down,” it said, adding “The UN Mission observed later in the day that most shops were closed in the market and that there were few civilians in town”.

Currently, the UN is reportedly protecting 193,000 civilians at sites across the country.

Pibor has been tense since David Yauyau, the former head of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) failed to get get recognition among the new state governors.

(ST)