SSPDF releases updates on Pathai recapture as SPLA-IO dismisses ‘misinformation’

JUBA — The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has released new updates on its claim of recapturing the Pathai military outpost in Jonglei State, issuing fresh battlefield details and video footage to reinforce its account, as the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) dismisses the announcement as “misinformation.”

In a statement dated January 27, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said that at “6:00 PM, SSPDF soldiers recaptured Pathai military Outpost from SPLA-IO rebels in a brief but decisive battle that ended in their defeat and subsequent running in disarray.”

He added that after “mopping operations, battlefield searches, consolidation of gains made and securing of round defensive position,” government forces made what he described as vital findings. These included “6 corpses of fallen and abandoned rebel fighters,” and “large caches of ammunition for 14.5mm, 12.7mm, PKM light machine guns [and] mortar shells.”

Koang further stated that SSPDF troops found “over 20 women, girls and children that were abandoned by fleeing rebel fighters following intense heat and chaos of battle for control.” He said the civilians were taken into custody “in line and in compliance with our Rules of Engagement (ROE)” before being handed over the following day to the Paramount Chief of Pathai.

According to the SSPDF, “the civilians that were caught up in the battle were taken into protective custody overnight, and today in the afternoon, they were handed over to Mr Khor Deng Chop, Paramount of freshly recaptured Payam Pathai.” The army added that its logistics unit issued food assistance, including maize flour and cooking oil, before the civilians left to reunite with relatives.

In a follow-up update on January 28, the SSPDF released video footage in which the Paramount Chief confirmed receiving the group. In the clip, he stated that he had received “a group of over 20 women, girls and children that were abandoned by fleeing SPLA-IO rebels after its recapture,” adding that they were received “in peace and good health.”

However, SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel rejected the government’s account. In a counter statement posted on social media, he wrote: “Disregard the misinformation from SSPDF. Yuai is still under the full control of the SPLA-IO.”

The sharply contrasting statements reflect intensifying fighting and parallel information battles in Jonglei, as both sides seek to assert dominance on the ground and in public messaging. Independent verification of the claims remains difficult due to limited access and ongoing insecurity in the area.