South Sudan armed men killed several SPLA officers in Raja

June 16, 2016 (JUBA) – Armed South Sudanese gunmen have killed several officers and soldiers of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), an official army of South Sudan, in the attack targeting government officials in Raja town, which is the administrative capital of Lol state on Wednesday.

Senior government officials, including governor Rizik Zechariah Hassan, fled the town for their safety. However, several officers were killed including those in charge of the governor’s bodyguards.

The head of gubernatorial guard force, Captain Deng Akuei Diing, is one of several officers and soldiers who have been killed in the attack.

Several others including one of the drivers of governor Hassan have also sustained injuries as they were trying to flee the town amid heavy gunfire.

At least 9 gubernatorial guards, according to several state government officials, have been confirmed killed in the fighting.

Five guards who sustained injuries have been received at Aweil hospital. Others have been received at Nyamellel and Marialbai where they are getting medical attention at local primary health units.

While others are being treated some are reportedly still on their way to where they would be assisted.

Government officials have reportedly returned to Raja on Thursday following the withdrawal of the gunmen who took control of the capital on Wednesday.

There are conflicting explanations as to the exit of the armed fighters. While some said they withdrew voluntarily and government officials had to return after confirming their withdrawal, others said the Darfuri rebels of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) who had a base near the town were asked by the South Sudan army to help in the fight which dislodged the gunmen from the town on Wednesday evening.

No group has claimed responsibility for the assault on the state capital and the government could not identify the attackers only to describe them as “bandits.’

(ST)