Fresh fighting broke out yesterday between the SPLA and forces loyal to rebel George Athor in Jonglei State.
Witnesses said the SPLA moved heavy combat assets and soldiers towards Mr. Athor’s hideout between Phom and Old Fangak in what seemed to be a planned attack against the renegade former general.Sources in Malakal told SCR News over the phone that SPLA soldiers wounded in the clashes were brought to the local hospital for treatment.
Church sources said Old Fangak residents spent the night in the mission compound fearing an attack from Mr. Athor’s forces while the local hospital transferred its 500 patients to the other side of the river.
SPLA spokesperson Colonel Philip Aguer Panyang confirmed the clashes to SCR News but he said he did not have any details about the place and casualties.
He added that it is the duty of the SPLA to provide protection to the civilians and what happened last month in Fangak was shameful.
Over 200 people were killed, mostly civilians, and 900 injured when Mr. Athor’s forces attacked some localities in Fangak County at the beginning of February.