SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. General Lul Ruai Koang speaks on Eye Radio's Dawn Show. June 9, 2023. | Photo: Awan Moses/Eye Radio

South Sudan army spokesperson says SPLM-IO forces have attacked an SSPDF infantry brigade tasked with the responsibility of dismantling illegal checkpoints between Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal on Saturday morning, SPLA-IO says yet to respond.

Major General Lul alleged that attack by SPLM-IO forces on the SSPDF soldier occurred at around 7:30AM.

He said this came three days after the illegal check point at Kubri Bou in Nagero County of Western Equatoria State was removed following a consensus between SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces General Dr. Paul Nang and his deputy, Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam, who is the Chief of General Staff of SPLM-IO.

“Three days ago, they were told about the need for the illegal checkpoint to be removed. It was resisted.

“Because we did not want any bloodshed, our Chief of Defense Forces General Dr. Paul Nang contacted his deputy, Lieutenant General Gabriel Duop Lam, who doubles as the Chief of General Staff of SPLM-IO on the need to talk to his forces so that they comply.

“With the order, we talked with them and the checkpoint was dismantled. But surprisingly, this morning (7:30), our forces were attacked at Kubribou. We returned fire and the attackers were repulsed.

Major General Lul Ruai Koang accused SPLM-IO of slaying one motorbike traveler along the highway.

“We learned that before they attacked our position, they apprehended a civilian a  border rider and the civilian was beheaded.”

Ruai said no casualties were reported in the 7;30AM exchange of gunfire between SSPDF and the opposition forces.

The SSPDF spokesperson added that the fighting has caused panic among the civilians, forcing them to evacuate the area.

Several calls to SPLA-IO spokesperson Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel went unanswered.

When contacted on Saturday afternoon,  Puok Both Balang who is the press secretary in the office of the First Vice President said the military wing was preparing a statement on the matter.