SSPDF, SPLA-IO clash in Maiwut, Longechuk

JUBA – Fighting has erupted this morning between forces belonging to South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in several areas of Maiwut and Longechuk Countries of Upper Nile state, residents told Sudans Post.

Speaking to Sudans Post this morning, several residents of Lolnyaang, Kuerkeem, Wangkuarbii in both Maiwut and Longechuk said fighting begun on Tuesday evening and continued between different groups of the SPLA-IO and involving South Sudan People’s Defense Forces.

“The fighting begun yesterday and even this morning we were hearing gunshots. The fighting forces are SPLA-IO factions and the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, all are involved in the fighting,” one resident told Sudans Post by phone from Longechuk.

When contacted by Sudans Post, both SPLA-IO and the SSPDF spokesmen were not available for comment.