By Deng Ghai Deng
The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) have reported the capture of an armed local civilian after an attack on their Wei-Yar-Adiu barracks in Nasir County on Thursday morning.
Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, the SSPDF spokesperson, confirmed that a group of armed young men from the area assaulted the barracks at around 8:30 AM.
Koang stated that the attackers were repelled by the army, resulting in no casualties on either side.
“Meanwhile, while they were engaging our forces, there was a separate group of armed youth from Nasir County who were against some of these individuals that kept on attacking our position or targeting our soldiers whenever they went about their business. They launched a counterattack, or flanking attack, meaning they attacked them from the rear and as a result, they were able to capture one armed civilian,” Koang said.
Koang elaborated, “Now that one raider was captured, he will help us find out what are the reasons behind them or other groups that keep on attacking our position. He is going to be investigated and will help us in knowing the motive. In the last 2 or 3 months, we have had problems with local armed youth, so his capture will help us have an idea of their workings and their pervasive activities.”
This incident follows a recent ambush on Wednesday, in which three SSPDF officers were killed and two others were injured by unknown gunmen in the same county.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the local militia known as the White Army may be involved in these confrontations with the national army.
On Wednesday, Reath Muoch Tang, the national MP for Nasir, voiced concerns about the ongoing conflict between civilians and SSPDF soldiers.
Tang urged for national government intervention to address the deteriorating situation in the area.
Gen. Koang added that the SSPDF and local authorities are continuing their efforts to stabilize the region and understand the motives behind the recent violence.