By Manas James
At least two South Sudan People’s Defense Force (SSPDF) officers were injured in clashes with the rival Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Jonglei State’s Pigi County on Monday, authorities said.
In an interview with No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, Suleiman Deng Thon, the Pgi County commissioner, said the SSPDF officers were waylaid while on patrol,” he stated.
The county commissioner claimed four SPLA-IO officers were killed in the clashes.
“On our side, only two soldiers were injured. Four bodies of SSPDF officers were recovered from the incident scene,” he added.
Commissioner Deng condemned the incident and called for restraint.
SPLA-IO spokesperson, Lam Paul Gabrel, was not immediately available for comment.