NAS accuses S. Sudan army of launching military offensives
March 17, 2021 (JUBA) – The opposition National Salvation Front (NAS)s led by Gen. Thomas Cirillo has accused the South Sudanese army (SSPDF) of military offensives on its positions.
“On 14th March 2021 at around 10: 45 am, a contingent of SSPDF from Loka Round attacked NAS forward tactical base. NAS combatants fought back and repulsed the attackers forcing them to retreat back to their position. Two (2) SSPDF soldiers were killed; several others suffered injuries and one (1) NAS combatant killed in action,” the group said in a statement issued on March 17, 2021.
A separate attack, it said, occurred on March 17 when SSPDF attacked their position at Latta Otogo payam.
“Similarly the NAS combatants fought back and defeated the enemy, the retreating enemy left behind one (1) PKM machine gun, one (1) RPG Launcher and three (3) AK 47 rifles in good condition,” it noted.
The hold-group vowed to defend its positions, the lives and the property of the civilians from the “evil regime forces and its proxy militia”.
NAS, which is not a party to the September 2018 revitalized peace deal, said it remains committed to the cessation of hostilities agreement signed in 2017, but reserves the right to self-defence.
“NAS reiterates its commitment to the Cessions of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) signed on 21st December 2017 in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, and to the Rome Declaration signed on 20 January 2020 in Rome Italy. NAS however, reserves the right to self-defense,” stressed the statement.
(ST)