Kiir military allies attack Malong’s rebels – spokesman

JUBA – The holdout opposition South Sudan United Front/Army led by General Paul Malong Awan Anei has accused South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) of carrying out attacks on its positions in Western Equatoria State.

In a statement extended to Sudans Post, the military spokesman of Malong’s rebel group claimed that the attack took place on November 5^th at a local military facility belonging to SSUF/A where the SSPDF launched unprovoked attack.

“The South Sudan United Front/Army has learnt with dismay the unprovoked ongoing assaults by the Juba regime on its held areas in Western Equatoria State,” Col. Philip Deng said in the statement extended to Sudans Post this afternoon.

“The South United Front/Army (SSUF/A) has witnessed extensive and continuous offensives on its positions all over the Western Equatoria by the forces of SSPDF. The renewed counter attacks took place on the 5^th November in Dore SSUF/A military outpost under the command of Major General Thon Chiluel Mathou in Tambura County Western Equatoria State,” he added.

He said that “These unprovoked attacks by SSPDF have met with formidable resistance by SSUF/A gallant forces in defense of their bases and civilians in the area..”

The statement further said the rebel forces “repulsed the attacking government troops and remained in control of the entire territory. During the action, SSUF/A forces killed four (4) enemy’s soldiers and recovered over four (4) light weapons in good condition.”

“SSUF/A further condemns in its strongest possible terms this aggression of the Kiir regime intended to derail the Rome peace talks and we call upon the faith-based Catholic Community of Sant’Egidio and CTSAM-VM peace monitoring body to scrutinizingly investigate the matter and hold the doers accountable.

“SSUF/A reiterates its commitment to the signed 2017 ceasefire protocol in Addis Ababa and the Rome Resolution. SSUF/A however, reserves the right to self-defense.”