Over 40 people killed in South Sudan’s town of Wau: official
June 28, 2016 (JUBA) – More than 40 people were killed and thousands displaced in the clashes that occurred in South Sudan’s town of Wau, a government official disclosed.
The country’s information minister, Michael Makuei Lueth said the death toll could rise.
“There are 39 casualties among the civilians and four among the police,” the minister told a news conference in the South Sudanese capital, Juba on Tuesday.
He said the armed men came from Sudan – totaling 700 armed soldiers under a command of dissident South Sudanese politician and joined by other Sudanese militias.
“It [the attacking force] comprises of Islamic group led by Ali Tamim Fartak – which he calls Islamic Movement for Liberation of Raja,” he said, referring to the headquarters of newly created Lol State, which came under attack two weeks ago.
Makuei said the government has formed eight member committee headed by Health Minister Riek Gai Kok and Justice Minister Paulino Wanawilla as Secretary. Other members include director of internal security Akol Koor, deputy chief of national police service Biel Ruot and deputy chief of military intelligence.
The government spokesman said the armed opposition faction (SPLM-IO) allied to to the country’s first vice president, Riek Machar distanced itself from the armed group.
(ST)