August 11, 2020 (Nyamilepedia) – South Sudan army has said this afternoon in a statement that at least eighty-two (82) civilians and forty-five 45 servicemen have been killed in Tonj as death toll from the fighting instigated by disarmament increases.
Earlier today, army spokesman Major General Lul Ruai Koang said only 81 people were killed in total including 55 servicemen and 26 civilians, which was disputed by local authorities who also blamed the army for the clashes.
However, in an update this afternoon, General Lul said the death toll has dropped from the army side which had the largest death toll and climbed on the site of civilians.
“The death toll on clashes in Tonj East County HQs at Romic had sharply risen on the side of armed members of Gelweng and dropped on side of security forces as indicated below,” Lul said in a statement seen by Nyamilepedia.
“Number of civilians killed in action stands at 82. SSPDF soldiers killed in action was reviewed and dropped from 55 to 45. Security forces wounded in action stand at 32,” Lul added.
While search continues for the death, Lul said “the exact number of armed Gelweng wounded is yet to be ascertained.”
