An undisclosed number of fighters died in the battle for Fangak between rebel forces and south Sudan troops and another 16 were killed elsewhere in Jonglei State.
Rebels loyal to renegade Commander George Athor Deng Dut occupied yesterday the town of Fangak after expelling its population.In the evening, SPLA troops attacked the trenched rebels in an attempt to regain control of the town and the heavy combats are still on.
SPLA spokesperson Philip Aguer Panyang told SCR News over the phone this evening that he does not have yet the list of casualties from the battle for Fangak.
However, he added that Mr. Athor’s men attacked also Door and lost 12 men while there were four dead among the SPLA troops.
Mr. Aguer said the rebels are engaged in guerrilla war laying landmines along the Ayot road that destroyed already two SPLA tracks and wounded three soldiers.
The SPLA spokesperson urged Mr. Athor to come back to the negotiations and embrace peace to favor development in South Sudan.
Mr. Aguer said South Sudan suffered enough from war and Mr. Athor should reconcile with the SPLA since the pardon offered by President Salva Kiir Mayardit last October still holds.
In a related development, Church sources said Old Fangak residents, a town two hours by speed boat away from Fangak, started abandoning their homes and took refuge on the other side of the river.
The residents are afraid that the fighting that started in Fangak will reach them and they are taking cover in the forest.