The SPLA Chief of General Staff, Paul Malong Awan says the army is aware of some “credible information” that unidentified armed groups have plans to target civilians in Juba.

Gen Paul Malong issued a stern warning to all commanders and soldiers to ensure no soldier is involved in targeting civilians.

“We have received credible information about an attempt to target civilians in Juba and the adjacent areas by a certain group of people,” SPLA spokesperson, Brigadier Lul Ruai read out the statement on the state-run SSBC on Saturday night.

“The SPLA is hereby giving this stern warning that any group or individual found in a position to carry such barbaric actions or acts will be dealt with in the harshest term possible.

“SPLA will not tolerate such activities and will act accordingly to protect the lives of civilians at any cost.

“Those anti peace elements must rethink their decisions or they will face very severe punishment once they do that.”

Several soldiers from different armed factions are feared dead after gun battles broke out in Juba on the eve of the country’s fifth independence anniversary, according to reports.