Missile launcher mounted

SPLA has recaptured Boma town from forces loyal to David Yau Yau.

The national army had lost its base to the forces who call themselves South Sudan Defense Alliance following an offensive on an SPLA garrison in Boma on May 9.

According to SPLA spokesperson Col. Philip Aguer, the Sunday morning offensive lasted 30 minutes.

Four SPLA soldiers and over 20 militiamen were killed in the onslaught.

“The SPLA defeated the militia forces. So, SPLA is now in control of Buma and is moving to see to it that they are clear from these militia groups,” said Col. Aguer.

Civilians, mostly women and children, have been caught in the crossfire and reports from UN agencies on the ground show looting of household items as well as cows and sorghum.

The health agency, Médecins Sans Frontières, too reported that therapeutic medical food and hospital beds were looted from its only hospital in the area.

According to Minority Rights Group International, people have run away from their houses and are hiding in the forests around Boma Mountain.

Others are trying to cross to Ethiopia, but the army there has closed off the border.

So far, at least 100,000 civilians have been displaced.

Jonglei Governor told Eye Radio today that hundreds of families have arrived in Bor and are in dire need of relief aid.

Eight Diplomats from major western nations in Juba have said they are increasingly concerned of the vicious cycle of in Jonglei State’s Pibor County.

They said they are working with the governments to help address the issue.