Five killed, dozens injured as SPLA-IO clash intensifies
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JUBA – At least five people have been killed and several others injured in a military clash between forces loyal to Simon Gatwech and Riek Machar in Upper Nile.
Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, the SPLA-IO Spokesperson at the General Headquarters told City Review that the attack that started Saturday morning killed two generals from the Kitgwang faction while three fighters from Machar’s also died in the fierce battle.
“This morning the 7/08/2021 at about 6:30 AM, the anti-peace forces of Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual moved out of their trenches in Magenis and launched an aggressive attack against the SPLA-IO forces in Gezan,” Mr. Paul said in a statement.
“The SPLA-IO forces responded in self-defense and repulsed the aggressors back to Magenis killing two Major Generals and injuring over 27 enemy soldiers. The SPLA-IO force destroyed one APC, Zuu 23 and 14.5mm, and also captured one Ural mounted with Zuu 23, and over 20 Ak47,” he added.
Mr. Paul added that “The enemy forces destroyed one 107mm while one tank T55 developed a mechanical problem. Three (3) freedom fighters were killed in action and 13 others sustained gunshot wounds.”
The Spokesman claims that Gatwech and his erstwhile ally Johnson Ulony have been airlifted to Sudan adding that Khartoum should not take a side but ensure that the pair are not allowed to instigate insecurity at the border.
“The SPLA-IO is aware that Gen. Gatwech Dual and Lt. Gen. Johnson Ulony were evacuated to Sudan. The SPLA-IO leadership requests the Sudan Government to maintain its neutrality by keeping the two in Sudan and not to allow them to come back and cause more insecurity in the area,” he said.
Mr. Paul also urged the forces that were conditioned to join the Kitgwang elements to come back to the SPLA-IO under the leadership of H.E Dr. Riek Machar Teny.
