SPLA says repulsed rebel attack in Wau state

July 12, 2016 (WAU) – The fifth division of the South Sudanese army (SPLA) in Wau state said they repulsed an attack allegedly by rebels affiliated to the armed opposition (SPLM-IO) onto their positions.

“We have repulsed the attackers who attempted to enter the town through our military base in Jebel Rabi and our forces are now perusing them,” a senior army officer told Sudan Tribune Tuesday.

“Our forces are now on minimum alert monitoring the rebels in response to what has been going on in Juba recently,” he added.

Sound of heavy weapons could be hears throughout Tuesday morning, amidst fears the tense situation could further escalate into a full blown military confrontation.

Last week, South Sudan’s deputy army chief for operation, Lt. Gen. Mangar Buong said they had eventually completed the relocation and deployment of the SPLA forces from Wau town to two defensive locations in the outskirts of Lokoloko and Jebel Rabi.

South Sudanese rival leaders, however, declared a unilateral cessation of hostilities that eventually ended four-days of fighting between their forces in the South Sudan capital.

Heavy fighting had been going on between forces of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) loyal to President Salva Kiir, and the SPLA in Opposition (SPLA-IO) loyal to First Vice President, Riek Machar. Hundreds of soldiers from both sides have reportedly been killed for the cause, which none of the two leaders could properly explain.

(ST)