By William Madouk
Violent clashes erupted yesterday between South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), in Upper Nile State.
SSPDF spokesperson, Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai reported that defense riverine barges successfully repelled the attackers along the Sobat River in Doma Payam, Ulang County.
“Today (Friday) in the morning, 28/2/2025, SSPDF forces, in a convoy of defence riverine barges, were attacked at Nyathor village along the Sobat River, Doma Payam, Ulang County in Upper Nile State,” he said.
“The combined force, comprising of rebellious SPLA-IO fighters, supported by armed youth from Cie-Lang and their affiliates, opened sustained fire on the barges with combat support weaponry systems that included anti-tanks,” he claimed.
Gen. Lul noted that the professional riverine soldiers returned effective and heavy fire, forcing the invading forces to withdraw in disarray.
Following this successful defense, the army continued its mission to rotate forces in Nasir town.
“Upon making a successful breakthrough, own forces continued with their journey aimed at accomplishing planned rotation of forces in Nasir town, Nasir County of Upper Nile State,” he explained.
The army expressed gratitude to the SSPDF command and leadership, as well as to the Lou-Nuer White Army, led by Bol Makuei, Commissioner of Nyirol County, Jonglei State, for the warm welcome extended to their forces at Dini and Cuil communities along the Sobat River.
The SSPDF called on the SPLA-IO and its allied militias to stop all hostilities.
“Once again, the SSPDF command appeals to the SPLA-IO and its affiliated militias to cease all forms of hostility against our forces,” he stated. “Furthermore, the SSPDF reassures members of the public that our riverine units will only respond to forms of violence directed at them while navigating the Sobat River.”
Unconfirmed reports also indicated that heavy combat broke out in Lony De Yual, Baliet County, Upper Nile State, as the SSPDF clashed with the White Army.
Last week, four SSPDF servicemen were killed, and thirteen civilians were wounded during a clash in Nasir involving the army and local youth.
The army spokesperson, Lul claimed that SSPDF soldiers were attacked while collecting firewood about 600 yards from their trenches.
In contrast, Commissioner Gatluak asserted that the attack was premeditated by the army against civilians, particularly youth and community leaders, during a meeting with UNMISS.
Efforts by local officials to obtain comments from Ulang and Nasir County Commissioners remained unsuccessful by press time.