FILE PHOTO: SSPDF soldiers patrolling on pickup truck - Courtesy

The government forces in Gumuruk and Lokuangole of Pibor Administrative Area have clashed with “heavily armed” youth believed to have come from Jonglei State, a senior army official has confirmed.

The SSPDF Spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang said White Army militia groups supported by some uniformed men launched simultaneous attacks on the western part of the special administrative area.

General Lul said SSPDF forces from the Agrab Independent Brigade “heroically” fought in self-defense before withdrawing from Gumuruk in the early hours of December 27.

“However, SSPDF forces are still in active combat at Kongor village of Lokuangole,” said the army official.

General Lul said any aggression on government-held towns “is a clear act of rebellion that must be dealt with.”

The deadly violence erupts only days after the United Nations Mission in South Sudan raised an alarm, following mobilization and preparation for an attack by armed youth and militia groups from the two areas.

Earlier on Tuesday, the minister of Information in Pibor reported more than 50 deaths and dozens of injuries in the fighting that is said to be escalating to Gumuruk town and neighboring areas.

Jonglei State government has also called on the armed youth to immediately withdraw.

Information Minister John Samuel Manyuon also appealed to the national government to intervene and bring an end to the inter-communal violence.