Fresh SSPDF, SPLA-IO clashes claim 12 soldiers in Wunkur

JUBA – At least 12 soldiers were killed and four others wounded on Wednesday following renewed clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Wunkur County, Ruweng Administrative Area.

The Ruweng Administrative Area Minister of Information, James Monyliak Majok, confirmed the incident, describing the early-morning fighting as a heavy assault by SPLA-IO forces on an SSPDF position in Wunkur. He said the SSPDF has since regained full control of the county, and calm has returned.

“The SPLA-IO attacked the SSPDF position in Wunkur County. The SSPDF has been in full control of the area since morning up to now,” Monyliak said. “There are no civilian casualties and no displacement reported.”

According to the minister, nine of the soldiers killed were SPLA-IO fighters, whose bodies were discovered inside the SSPDF military barracks after the fighting subsided. The SSPDF lost three soldiers, while four others were wounded and are currently receiving treatment at Parieng Hospital.

Monyliak noted that the attack follows a series of confrontations in Wunkur over the past week. He accused SPLA-IO forces of attempting to reclaim the area, saying Wednesday’s assault was part of an effort “to retake Wunkur County.”

He also cautioned the public against circulating unverified claims about the situation, warning that misinformation was being spread by individuals who “do not know what is happening in the field.”

Efforts by Sudans Post to obtain comments from Col. Gabriel Lam Paul, the SPLA-IO spokesperson, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to messages sent via Messenger. Lam recently lost his spouse, which explains why he may not be active on duties.

The renewed fighting raises concerns about the fragile security situation in parts of the country, despite ongoing peace implementation efforts. Authorities in Ruweng say they are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further escalation.