BREAKING: Fighting breaks out again at Moroto as gov’t forces hunt down SPLA-IO forces

YEI – Fighting has again broke out at Moroto Training Centre in South Sudan’s Central Equatoria state after heavily armed government forces went on to hunt down SPLA-IO soldiers who had withdrawn from Moroto training Centre following last week’s attack, according to a senior opposition commander.

Brigadier-General William Gatjiath Deng, the SPLA-IO military spokesman said in a statement extended to Sudans Post that the fighting broke out during earlier hours of Monday and after the attacking SSPDF forces were defeated, the government forces gathered again and attacked at 8:00 AM and the fighting has continued since.

“It was today this morning at around 6:00AM, East African Time, when Morota the SPLA (IO) military garrison came under attack by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) regardless of using heavy weapons, the merciless forces of the regime have for sure repulsed back by the freedom fighters after 30 minutes in action, but leaving behind and facing a huge lost,” Gatjiath said in the statement.

“Moreover, the regime’s forces had resumed fighting again at 8:00AM, which led to their complete lost of power and as a result, the gallant forces of the SPLA (IO) under Command of Cdr, Brig. General Peter Wal Chuol, had professionally responded with full energy and narrowly squeezed the enemy into inaccessible directions in the bushes of Morota,”  he added.

The opposition military spokesman further expressed concerns over the increasing hostilities which he said are being launched by the SSPDF despite the fact that the main armed opposition group is a signatory to the revitalized peace agreement.

“Therefore, the SPLA (IO) military leadership has learned with dismay and observed with sense of astonishment and would like to confirm from the current leadership, especially the Defence Minister, Madam Angelina Teny, and the Chief of (SSPDF) Johnson Jimma, as to why do the (SSPDF) which acts as a national army of South Sudan still continue attacking the SPLA (IO) military barracks while we are in peace?

“And those who have responsibilities in the (R-TGONU) still remain silence ever since, and even no word of condemnation or asking the perpetrators to stop fighting? The army leadership thought, the Revitalized peace agreement should have been on the verge of prevailing peace in the country and should have been ready for an amalgamation process to form a one National Army, Security, and Police, but things still contrary, and why do you keep silence? Do you think the SPLA (IO) should not have an impact in the peace process?”