JUBA. South Sudan rebels on Tuesday claimed that they killed at least thirteen (13) government soldiers when a joint force of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and the National Security Service (NSS) launched attack on their base in Mundri East.
In a statement extended to Sudans Post, NAS said that government intelligence agencies on February 26th sent spies to the rebel base in Mundri East to spark internal disagreements and possibly cause splits within the group’s rank and file.
“The Leadership of National Salvation Front (NAS) would like to inform its members, the people of South Sudan and members of International Community on the recent security activities of the regime of Salva Kiir and its security forces in Mundri Area Command of Western Equatoria State,” the statement said.
“On 26th February 2023, NAS intelligence under Mundri Area Command intercepted activities and movement of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces SSPDF, National Security and some war brokers planning to infiltrate the ranks and files of NAS forces in Mundri Area Command, with the objectives to cause confusion and defections of the forces in the area,” the statement added.
It said that a convoy of government forces triggered fighting with the rebel forces, resulting in the killing of at least 13 soldiers – including the alleged traitors – and capture of ammunitions, and further claimed that two vehicles were destroyed in action.
“The enemy force in a convoy of three (3) Land Cruisers crossed into NAS control area which resulted into heavy fighting and the defeat of the SSPDF, National Security force and the traitors from the area. In this counter operation, the enemy lost thirteen (13) soldiers including the traitor, ten (10) AK 47 rifles recovered in good condition and two (2) Land Cruisers destroyed,” the statement said.
“This operation serves as a lesson and a warning to those masquerading and always survives on the blood of the suffering people as peace brokers; their actions of collaborating with security agencies in helping them to oppress and enslave the people will not be tolerated,” it added.