Fighting erupts again between SPLA-IO rivals near Magenis, Gatwech accuses Machar of initiating attack

JUBA — Fighting is reportedly going on between SPLA-IO rivals near Magenis with Kitgwang faction led by General Simon Gatwech Dual accusing SPLA-IO forces loyal to First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny of first initiating the attack.

Yesterday, Gatwech’s forces said Machar’s forces had attacked their positions, but said they acted in self defense and repulsed the attack which they said was unprovoked.

In a statement moments ago, Brigadier General William Gatjiath Deng said their forces at an area near Magenis came under an attack from opposition forces loyal to First Vice President Machar and said they have however been defeated.

“Today morning the  defeated forces loyal to the former Chairman of SPLM/A(IO)  Dr. Riek Machar Teny, have attacked our military units respectively at Kazan and Kombo-Zinki, the SPLA(IO) forces under the command of Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual, acted in Self-defense and defeated the enemy forces,  they are  on the run right now as I am reporting,” he said.

Sudans Post could not independently very the latest claim. Yesterday, Machar-allied spokesman Puok Both Baluang denied any knowledge of fighting Magenis and termed the reports of fighting as propaganda to raise fears among the civil population.