SSPDF, SPLA-IO clash in Unity State – spokesman

JUBA – South Sudan’s main armed opposition Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA-IO) led by First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny has accused the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) of renewed attack against it position in Unity State’s Koch County.

This comes less than two weeks after the group accused the army of attacking its positions in Mirmir of Koch County and an area in Maiwut County of Upper Nile state.

In a statement, sector two military spokesman Major Kerbino Yai Pazale said forces belonging to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) launched an attack on a SPLA-IO cantonment site in Mirmir, and said the attackers were repulsed.

“Yesterday afternoon at 2:51 PM, government forces repeated such barbarous attack against our forces from their trenches. The SPLA IO is currently in a position of self-defense and repulsed back the attackers,” he said in a statement seen by Sudans Post.

While condemning the attack, the senior South Sudan opposition military officer further called for immediate investigation from peace monitors such as the CTSAMVM, Joint Defense Board and he Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) which mediated the revitalized peace agreement.

“We appeal to the CTSAMM, JDB, and IGAD, to take necessary investigation about the current situation in Koch County,” Maj. Yai said.