MALAKAL — Tensions have escalated in Longechuk County in South Sudan’s Upper Nile State this morning as clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and forces of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), joined by local armed youth, intensified in Mathiang town.
Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, SPLA-IO Spokesperson, claimed in a Thursday’s statement that at 0800 hours today, SPLA-IO forces intercepted an attacking SSPDF contingent outside Mathiang, leading to ongoing fighting within the town.
SPLA-IO fighters, alongside armed youth, have maintained a strong presence inside Mathiang, with the security situation remaining volatile.
In separate incidents yesterday, August 27, SPLA-IO forces reportedly repelled two coordinated SSPDF attacks in Jamara Saba and Limuro in Lainya County.
According to Lam, the clashes saw SSPDF troops attempting to advance on SPLA-IO positions around Lainya, resulting in two government soldiers killed and several others wounded.
The recent confrontations highlight the growing volatility in areas of Upper Nile and Central Equatoria, as joint SPLA-IO and local armed youth forces continue to resist government advances.
Efforts to obtain immediate comment from the SSPDF were not successful at the time of reporting.
On 16th August 2025, heavy fighting between SPLA-IO and SSPDF in Yei River County in Central Equatoria State left at least 17 soldiers dead. The reportedly broke out when opposition forces launched attacks on SSPDF bases in Lasu and Libogo, two villages located roughly 25 kilometers southwest of Yei town.
