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The Coordinator of Wonduruba Administrative Area, Towongo Stephen Michael, said the attackers—suspected to be from the opposition SPLA- IO forces—opened fire on civilians at Kare Nare, also known as Khor Khaltan, at around 8:00 PM.

He said the area is heavily populated with civilians engaged in mining activities when the attackers struck. “A group of armed soldiers suspected to be from IO infiltrated that area,” Towongo said. “The area is heavily populated by civilians who are roaming around the mining area.”

He added that the assailants opened fire indiscriminately. “They opened random fire, shooting at all the people around,” he said. Towongo confirmed that both civilians and soldiers were among those killed, with several others injured in the attack. “We lost civilians and also soldiers from the ground forces and other units,” he said. “The number of injured persons is 16.”

The official said the incident occurred about 12 miles from Wonduruba Centre, near Kulipapa, along the border with Juba County.

According to Towongo, the fighting began in Khor Khaltan before spreading to nearby Kulipapa, also known as Jebel Iraq, where government forces pursued the attackers.

“The fighting started from Khor Khaltan and expanded through Kulipapa, which they call Jebel Iraq,” he said. “Our soldiers chased the enemies along that side.”

He added that some items looted during the attack were later recovered. “The soldiers recovered some of the items looted by the enemies,” Towongo said.

He further claimed that a commander of the attacking group was killed during the clashes. “The commander in charge of that group, Gatluak Tiep, was also killed from the side of the enemy,” he said.

Towongo condemned the attack and expressed regret over the loss of lives. “I really condemn that and regret what has happened to our people,” he said.

He urged civilians, especially young people, to avoid gathering in areas not fully under government control. “With such areas that we are not yet in full control, the youth should not concentrate mostly in one area,” he said. “They should come to areas where our soldiers are.”

Towongo also called for calm and unity among the public, warning against blame and inflammatory statements. “In such a situation, we should not blame each other from left and right,” he said. “We should identify the culprits and pursue them.”

Authorities say the situation has since stabilized, although tensions remain high as security forces continue to monitor the area.