The government forces in Gumuruk and Lokuangole of Pibor Administrative Area have clashed with “heavily armed” youth believed to have come from Jonglei, 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.”
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.