BENTIU – At least four soldiers have been killed and five others wounded following clashes between forces of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the SPLA-IO’s VIP Protection Unit retreating from the Abyei Administrative Area. The incident reportedly took place between Sunday and Monday in Unity State’s Rubkona County.
Unity State Minister of Information and Communication, Gatwech Biphal, confirmed the deadly confrontation and said calm has since returned to the affected areas after government intervention. He assured the public that the state authorities have taken full control of the situation.
“Yesterday, there was a clash between the forces in Unity State at a place called Bornyang. Four soldiers were reported dead on the spot, while five others sustained injuries. The wounded are currently receiving treatment at Bentiu State Hospital,” Minister Biphal told Sudans Post on Monday. “However, the situation is now calm. His Excellency, the Governor of Unity State, has intervened, and the overall security condition remains stable. We are working closely with our peace partners to prevent further escalation,” he added.
The state official appealed to all armed forces operating in Unity State to exercise restraint and “give peace a chance,” emphasizing the need for cooperation among signatories to the peace agreement to maintain stability in the region.
However, the SPLA-IO has offered a different account of events. Speaking to Sudans Post, SPLA-IO Sector II spokesperson Major Kerbino Yai Pazale alleged that the SSPDF initiated the attack early Monday morning in Chotchar village, Rubkona County.
“The SPLM-IG forces continued their act of aggression by attacking the SPLA-IO VIP Protection Force in Chotchar village at around 5:00 a.m.,” Pazale said. “Our forces were forced to defend themselves and their families who were retreating from Abyei. During the exchange, twelve SSPDF soldiers, including their commander, Major Gatluak Duop Nyir, were killed instantly. The SPLA-IO lost one freedom fighter, while two others sustained gunshot injuries.”
Both sides have claimed casualties, though independent verification remains unavailable as of Monday evening. The incident underscores the fragility of peace efforts in Unity State and highlights ongoing mistrust between forces loyal to the government and those aligned with the SPLA-IO, despite commitments to the revitalized peace agreement.
