South Sudan road ambush leaves 20 dead, scores injured
June 8, 2017 (JUBA) – More than 10 people were killed and dozens wounded when unknown gunmen attacked vehicles travelling on the Juba-Nimule highway Thursday.
The police spokesman, Brigadier Daniel Justin confirmed the incident, which occurred near Moli village in Eastern Equatoria state.
The attackers, according to the police spokesman, overpowered the military escort, resulting in the death of three government soldiers while three others were wounded as they escorted buses.
“What happened was a barbaric act, it is a banditry activity. And so it is unfortunate that 14 people have lost their lives, 10 have been injured and the cars in which they were travelling have been burnt,” Justin told reporters in the capital, Juba Thursday.
He added, “The police and other organised forces have stepped up measures to restore law and order”.
The attack highlights a rise in insecurity and casts doubt on the sustainability of a unilateral ceasefire President Salva Kiir declared.
The 192 km Juba-Nimule highway is the only paved road in South Sudan and is vital for supply of goods from neighbouring countries to the young nation.
(ST)