By Hou Akot Hou
A South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) officer and his bodyguard were injured in an ambush on Wednesday along the Rum-kor to Majak-kol road in Abyei-Twic. The duo was part of a security task force deployed to the area.
Major General Joseph Kwai Ajak, a senior military official, confirmed the incident. He identified the injured officer as Mariak Kuot Kuot, who was off-duty and in civilian attire when attacked.
The assailants, described as “serial killers,” ambushed the pair around 7:30 AM, firing shots at their chests and necks. The attackers then fled the scene, making off with the officers’ AK-47 rifles.
“What happened was that our officer called Mariak Kuot Kuot with his guard came under attack on the road going to Rum-kor when the serial attacker or killer shot at them and they sustained injuries on the chest and neck and they instantly snatched the guns and fled,” said Kwai.
“We sent the forces but could not locate them but our officers are being treated in Abyei and another taken to Twic County in Turalei hospital at St. Theresa hospital,” he continued.
The military official condemned the attack, labelling it a “heinous act” and a form of terrorism.
He urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious individuals carrying weapons in civilian areas.
The joint forces deployed to the Twic-Abyei road are intended to deter violence and conflict between the two communities, which have a history of clashes.