SPLM-IO accuses SPLA of attacking its forces in Unity region

May 15, 2016 (JUBA) – South Sudanese army (SPLA) has been accused of allegedly violating the permanent ceasefire by attacking opposition forces in the oil rich Unity region.

Military spokesperson of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), Colonel William Gatjiath Deng, on Sunday issued a statement condemning the attacks which allegedly started on Sunday morning.

“The SPLA/Juba faction attacked our cantonment sites at Matjang and Tuarkiel in Unity state today at 7:00AM,” said Colonel Deng in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

“The attack takes place in Southern part of Rubkona County but SPLA-IO forces fight back and repulsed back the attackers at 1:00PM this afternoon,” he said.

The fighting which took place in the morning, he added, lasted for 6 hours after which the government forces retreated to Bentiu and Wangkei Payam in Mayom county.

SPLA-IO mighty forces captured 2 PKM and 27 AK-47 machine guns from the government forces, it said.

“This is an indication that the SPLA in government is not serious to implement the security arrangement,” he said.

Furthermore, he added that the SPLA in government is also preparing for full scale of war against the forces in Eastern Equatoria state.

Also four SPLA-IO officers were arrested in Kapoeta and kept under their detention in Eastern town of Torit.

The statement calls on the international community to put pressure on government to release them.

(ST)