PAYINJIAR, South Sudan, June 25 — At least 10 people were injured, 35 cattle killed, and 52 more livestock wounded during aerial bombardments by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces in Unity State’s Payinjiar County on Tuesday, local officials said.
The attacks targeted opposition-controlled areas of Pachienjiok, Pachak, Pualmuok and Puomlual in Pachar constituency, according to Simon Kuol Beliu, director of Relief and Rehabilitation Commission in Payinjiar. He accused the two national forces of deploying gunships to bomb civilian areas on Monday and Tuesday morning.
“There was no bombardment today, but those injured are being treated at home because people fear the SSPDF will target the hospital,” Kuol told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday. “That is why the survivors fled to the highlands.”
Kuol reported that 29,300 people have been displaced, seeking refuge in Payinjiar headquarters, Tayar Island, Kol Payam, Paak Boma, Machar Boma, Makuor Boma, and Maluok Payam.
He urged Unity State Governor Riek Biem Top to intervene. “Payinjiar is part of Unity State. Its people have been peaceful with their neighbours in Lakes State. The national government must stop killing civilians,” he said.
Payinjiar County is a stronghold of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition, led by detained First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
Payinjiar County Commissioner Gabriel Magok Bol confirmed the attacks and said seven people were injured Tuesday evening. He withheld the hospital’s name for security reasons.
“The agreements between Payinjiar and Lakes State communities are now void,” Bol said. “They were meant to stop cattle raiding, but youth from Payinjiar violated them several times.”
