May 07, 2017 (Nyamilepedia) —— South Sudan army and the armed opposition under the leadership of Riek Machar clashed at Pachienjok Payam in Panyijiar County of former Unity State, eleven soldiers died.
According to the statement released by Lt.Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, SPLA-IO deputy spokesperson, the SPLA IO forces in Pachienjok Payam intercepted government surveillance force. At this point, the two forces exchanged fire, and as the result, eleven government soldiers were killed. Eleven AK47 from the eleven who were killed were recovered in good use.
“Juba government yesterday 5/5/2017 sent a hostile surveillance force to do reconnaissance and find a safe entry in preparation to attack Ganyliel, Nyal and panyijiar county HQ concurrently. The militias came from Yirol East when they met our gallant force in Kowub village in Pachienjok at about 1500hrs. Eleven (11) enemies were killed in the short battle and their guns all AK47 were recovered in good condition while three (3) of our fighters sustained injuries. The militias were pursued up to Korer at the border of Yirol,” stated Lt.Co. Lam Paul Gabriel.
The act of aggression from the government will not be tolerated by the SPLA IO anymore, according to the military spokesperson. The SPLA IO is asking civilians in Panyijar County to remain calm and continue with their usual productive duties, he appeals. There is no comment from South Sudan army about the incident.
