Combined EDF/SPLA force the RLA out of Katire

Yesterday, the 1st of September 2004, EDF and SPLA forces reoccupied Katire village after rebels of Ugandan Lords Resistance Army (LRA), who had occupied Katire for more than a week were forced out by the assembled EDF/SPLA forces who were preparing to attack them. The terrorist withdrew in the night before via a corridor without putting up a fight and avoiding any clash with our troops. Katire is now firmly in the hands of EDF/SPLA soldiers. Now we have been also able to dislodge the RLA rebels from the Acholi highlands and they are fleeing towards Imatong Mountains and Ikotos and our combined forces are on their heels.

There have been no more any deaths among our troops besides the three we reported killed in the last press release of August 25th 2004. On the side of civilian casualties, four civilians were killed all from one family: a man and his wife and his two children who were caught unaware in their house by the LRA. Thousands of civilians were displaced by the LRA occupation and we are assessing their situation. Our soldiers confirmed that they killed at least 9 LRA terrorists and wounded many more.

It is worth mentioning that Joseph Kony is with the retreating LRA rebels as they are fleeing towards Imatong mountains/Ikotos. It is important if the International community can support the efforts of EDF/SPLA to clear out the LRA and we again appeal to members of the International community, especially USA and Britain to back EDF and SPLA efforts to dislodge Kony once for all from South Sudanese soil. Also we appeal to NGOs for help for those thousands whose homes and food stocks had been destroyed by the LRA actions in Katire and other Equatorian villages.

– Charles Barnaba Kisanga

– Secretary General
– Equatoria Defence Forces (EDF)
– E-mail: [email protected]