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By Obiala Angel De-son – Torit
The Government of Eastern Equatoria State has confirmed that three soldiers were killed in an attack carried out early Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at around 5:00 AM in Torit. The assault was allegedly launched by joint forces of the SPLA/M-IO and the National Salvation Front (NAS).
Speaking during a press briefing on Thursday, November 20, the State Minister of Information and Postal Services, Hon. Elia John Ahaji, said the Council of Ministers received a detailed report from the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement. The report outlined that the attack targeted the Military Hospital and the Gumbo area.
Hon. Elia said the state government strongly condemns the incident and praised the swift response of the organized forces who acted to protect civilians and their property.
“The Honourable Council of Ministers, in its regular sitting, listened to the Hon. Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement, who briefed the meeting regarding the recent attack in Torit that targeted the Military Hospital and the Gumbo area. The attack resulted in the death of three soldiers. The Council condemns this senseless attack perpetrated by the SPLM-IO and NAS. The state government appreciates the SSPDF forces for protecting civilians and their properties. I call on all organized forces to continue protecting people at the grassroots from those who continue to disrupt peace.”
The minister urged communities not to harbor criminals and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to dialogue with holdout groups as part of the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.
He also conveyed the government’s condolences to the families of the slain soldiers.
“We request citizens to avoid harboring rebels who allow enemies of peace to use our land. The state government declares the attackers as enemies who must be removed from the soil of Eastern Equatoria State by all means necessary. The Council remains committed to working with the SPLM-IO and other signatories to the Revitalized Peace Agreement. The government sends condolences to the families of the deceased, and we remain committed to maintaining peace in our state.”
Hon. Elia also confirmed clashes between youth in Iyire Payam and SPLM-IO forces who were allegedly moving together with NAS fighters following the Torit attack. One youth from Iyire was killed, while casualties on the IO/NAS side have not been confirmed.
“We are hearing reports, as you are, that SPLM-IO soldiers were forcefully taking civilian property, which provoked clashes after youth in Iyire attempted to defend the community. Unfortunately, one of our energetic young men was killed. They (the attackers) also suffered losses, though we have not yet recorded the number of those killed on their side.”
The press statement was delivered to journalists in Torit on Thursday.