SSPDF says SPLA-IO has declared war as fresh fighting erupts in Maiwut

JUBA – The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces ((SSPDF) has claimed this morning that main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has declared war in the country and has now attacked an SSPDF garrison in Maiwut.

In a statement, SSPDF spokesman Major General Lul Ruai Koang said SPLA-IO has declared war and that fighting is currently ongoing in Malual-Gathoth where an SSPDF position came under attack this morning from the Machar-led Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition.

“Our peace partner, SPLA-IO has officially declared War on SSPDF,” Lul said in a statement extended to Sudans Post. “As we speak, fierce clashes are ongoing in Malual-Gathoth, Maiwut County in Upper Nile State.”

The senior South Sudan’s army officer claimed that South Sudan opposition forces belonging to the SPLA-IO are currently mobilizing in preparation for more attacks on SSPDF positions in Pagak, Maiwut and Turow and said the same preparations are being made by the SPLA-IO to attack its positions ink Unity State.

“SPLA-IO Forces are mobilizing to launch attacks on own defensive positions in Pagak, Maiwut, Turow. SSPDF defensive positions in Unity State are expected to come under SPLA-IO anytime,” Lul added.