November 19, 2018 (JUBA) - The SPLM-IO denied claims they attacked the positions of the holdout National Salvation Front led by Thomas Cirilo (NAS-TC) in Jubek State pointing the clashes occurred between defectors and fighters loyal to the leader of the rebel group.
In a statement released on Monday, Lam Paul Gabriel, SPLA-IO Deputy Military Spokesperson said that Brig. Gen Peter Yugu Laku and Col. Augustino Modi together with 90% of their fighters returned to the SPLA-IO after dissatisfaction with the NAS TC. The two had defected from the SPLA-IO in August 2017.
"The SPLA IO would, therefore, like to strongly refute the accusations made by NAS TC in their press release dated 18/11/2018, that the SPLA-IO made a joint operation against its forces in Lobonok," said.
"Gen Yugu’s defection back to the SPLA-IO is a threat to NAS TC in Lobonok leading to him being targeted by NAS TC forces," he stressed.
He added the forces loyal to Cirilo sought reinforcements from Lainya to attack the splinters forces led by Gen Yugu. However, the latter intercepted the additional fighters loyal to Thomas Cirilo at the riverside; they were fought back and scattered by the SPLA IO force.
The UN peacekeeping mission and the ceasefire monitoring body report frequent clashes between the South Sudanese army and the SPLA-IO with the NAS-TC.
Aware of the situation, the IGAD Council of Minister threatened to label the non-signatories as spoilers of peace, opening the door for the imposition of targeted sanctions on its leaders who are based outside the country.
Gabriel further said they never carried out a joint attack with the South Sudanese army against NAS TC force in Lobonok or anywhere.
"NAS should take responsibility of their own mess and avoid negative propaganda against the SPLA-IO," he added.
(ST)
Latest Comments & Analysis
Invisible female victims of armed militia attacks in Darfur 2021-01-08 15:19:56 By SIHA Network* On October 19th 2020, an armed group burned down the IDP camps of Oum Assal, Babanousa and Om Zegerat in Gerida locality. Gerida locality is composed of a number of villages (...)
Account Inventory for December Revolution in Sudan 2020-12-19 20:34:35 By Mahmoud A. Suleiman This article comes against the backdrop of Sudan's Third Revolution as some like to call it, two years later during which Much has been achieved but risks still remain, (...)
SPLM pinning tales of lies to cover up failures! 2020-12-17 20:03:56 by: Khor Dol Kai It should be very clear, by now, that no single progress will be made or ever made-whether in short or long run-to reverse the damages already done and the seeds of division (...)
MORE