By Kei Emmanuel Duku
The Commissioner of Yei River County, Emmanuel Taban Seme, has said that no civilians were harmed or displaced following an armed opposition attack on a military barracks last week.
A joint force of the South Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the National Salvation Front (NAS) attacked the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) barracks in Yei over the weekend.
The SPLM-IO spokesperson Lam Paul Gabriel admitted the attacks on SSPDF forces in the areas of Libogo and Lasu in Yei River County of Central Equatoria State.
In an interview with this outlet, Yei River County Commissioner Taban said the assault, which occurred in the areas of Libogo and Lasu, targeted government installations.
Taban did not reveal the attackers’ exact identity but referred to them as “armed opposition.” He noted that while clashes are expected to cause casualties, “Civilians are in their houses; no one has been displaced nor even run away because of the confrontation.” he added that any civilians who may have initially fled had since returned.
The commissioner further stated that the confrontation was brief, which helped to reduce panic among residents.
He affirmed that the government would continue to protect its citizens and property, responding to any attacks in self-defence. “We are protecting our territory and the people, but if they choose war, we will continue until we are satisfied that war will not solve any problem,” Seme said. “If they want peace, let them seek better ways of advancing their concerns. As a government, we are and will remain for peace.”
However, in a joint press statement, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, the SPLA-IO spokesman, and Lt. Col. Kenyi Mogga Lomeling, the NAS Army spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack.
They stated that the assault, which took place in the early hours of Saturday in Lasu Payam, resulted in the capture of a Land Cruiser pickup, a 120mm mortar, and a 12.7mm machine gun.
They also claimed to have seized several assorted assault rifles and ammunition.
The spokespersons stated that 12 South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldiers were killed and several others were injured, while five deaths were registered on their side but they did not provide a specific number for their wounded.
The joint statement from the two opposition groups noted that the operation was part of a collaboration aimed at “liberating South Sudanese.” They warned of possible future attacks along major highways in the Equatorial region.
When contacted for comment, Government Army Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang did not verify the claims regarding captured firearms or the number of casualties.