Sept 18, 2017(Nyamilepedia) —– Latest reports from South Sudan’s Unity State, also known as Northern Liech State by Salva Kiir government, confirms heavy fighting in the early hours on Monday morning in Nhialdiu of Rubkona county.
According to Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, SPLA IO deputy military spokesperson, their forces launched offensives this morning at about 5am in Nhialdiu against the regime forces in the area.
“This morning at about 0500hrs, the SPLA IO forces of Division 4A under the command of Maj Gen. John Turuk Khor, launched a successful operations against the Juba regime forces in Nhialdiu, Rubkona County, Unity State.” Col. Lam Said.
Lam said their forces captured the town at 6am forcing government troops to flee in disarray.
“The fight lasted for only one hour and at about 0600 hrs, the gallant SPLA IO forces took full control of Nhialdhiu”
The deputy spokesman alleged that their forces inflicted heavy losses on the government troops, a report Nyamilepedia could not independently verify.
“We defeated the enemy forces and scattered them in disarray leaving behind nineteen (19) dead bodies and several others injured including Biel Matuek, the Commissioner of Nhialdiu.” Lam said.
“We lost one freedom fighter and four sustained minor injuries.” He continued.
According to Lam Paul Gabriel, SPLA-IO captured thirty Six (36) AK47, six (6) Pkms and four (4) RPG seven in good condition.
Speaking on behalf of Taban Deng Gai break away forces, former SPLA-IO deputy spokesman Dickson Gatluak, who joined Juba earlier this year, confirms the reports of fighting in Nhialdiu but claimed that their forces repulsed SPLA-IO forces.
“At around 5:30 today in the morning, elements of disgruntled armed forces associated to Riek Machar attacked Nhialdiu town but they were repulsed back after they burnt down some houses at the outskirts of the town. Their intention was to loot civilian properties such as food and cattle and also to abduct children for eventual conscription to their forces,” said Dickson in a statement.
Other government officials such as Lam Tungwar Kueiguong, a Minister of Norther Liech State who resides in Juba, confirmed and condemned the fighting in Unity State.
“Again Leek sons and Daughters are at it again, why do you have to kills your own community and burned your own village , well, one day you will come back home and see nothing but a ruined village which your hatred have caused to all of us as a community as well as a union of Greater Bentiu.” Lam said.
According to Hon. Lam at least 15 soldiers were killed on government side and warned that those who are responsible for the attack will be held accountable
“Am saddened by the Lost of our people in the hands of their own people. a price will surely be paid by this outlawed and it will be soon” Lam continued.
