Wau security tightened ahead of 5th anniversary

July 7, 2016 (TONJ) – The army in Wau, one of South Sudan’s newly created states, said they have issued a security in town alert of ahead of the 9 July independence event.

A top army officer, who spoke Sudan Tribune on Thursday, said a maximum security alert on major defensive positions is in place against any insecurity attempt during the fifth anniversary occasion.

“Our forces have now moved into all corners of the town [and are] well equipped with military hardwires, ammunitions and heavy weapons and our air military helicopters are set for any attempted,” said the officer, who preferred to remain anonymous.

“We have also received additional forces from other divisions who will remain at the military barracks for any references,” he added.

The officer claimed intelligence reports showed some unknown forces were hiding in various locations of western and southern Wau, as they allegedly prepared to launch military offensives in Wau town.

“We are the national army whose duties are to protect the nation against anybody who has taken arm against the legitimacy of the country’s leadership,” stressed the military officer.

Any ethic group or tribe that attempts to sabotage the government forces would eventually meet the army position, added the officer.

Last month, an outbreak of violence forced thousands of civilians to seek refuge in open spaces, while others stormed the United Nations camp.

The UN children fund (UNICEF) said it urgently needed approximately $3million to address the humanitarian needs of children displaced by the violence in Wau town.

(ST)