War aircraft believed to belong to the Sudan Air Force have been seen or heard flying over Malakal, the capital of Upper Nile State, almost daily.
A resident told CRN News over the phone that airplanes painted in white sounding like Russian made Antonov aircraft the Sudanese Air Forces uses in bombing raids are a common presence in the skies over Malakal.The source added that the planes fly from South Kordofan, in the Sudan, and head in the same direction when they return.
The same source noted that there are no visible anti-aircraft army positions in town.
The Army spokesperson, Col. Phillip Aguer Panyang confirmed last week that SAF planes were flying over Malakal.
He added that the SPLA was making arrangements to strengthen its air defences and protect the national air space from unauthorized or unfriendly planes.