Four SSPDF soldiers ambushed, killed in Ruweng Administrative Area

RUWENG — At least four soldiers of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) were killed in Ruweng Administrative Area after coming under attack from suspected armed youth from Mayom County in South Sudan’s Unity State, medical officials in Abiem-Nhom have said.

The attack reportedly took place on Sunday at around 8:30 a.m. between Ajak-Kuac and Bombil, where SSPDF forces were conducting reconnaissance and intelligence operations.

According to Medical Corps officer Garang Noon, who is based at the SSPDF base in Abiem-Nhom, the soldiers were ambushed while patrolling the forested area between the two locations.

He said the reconnaissance team, consisting of eleven officers, came under fire from suspected elements of the Bull section in Mayom County. Three soldiers were killed instantly, while three others sustained critical injuries.

Noon explained that the attackers were believed to be loyal to a spiritual leader identified as Deng Dit from Mayom County, whose forces operate in a manner similar to those of another local leader, Gai Machiek.

He said the ambush occurred between Wulang and Bombil, resulting in the immediate death of three soldiers and serious injuries to three others, one of whom later died at Turalei Hospital.

The SSPDF, according to Noon, managed to kill four members of the armed group before they fled the area.

He said the attackers are believed to be scattered in the bushes between Ruweng, Warrap, and Twic, where they are often involved in looting and cattle raids.

The Medical Corps officer added that the assailants were reportedly commanded by a man identified as Garang, said to be the son of spiritual leader Deng Dit.

He said the soldiers killed in the ambush were buried at the Abiem-Nhom military unit, except for one who succumbed to injuries at Turalei Hospital and was later taken to his home in Twic County for burial.

Those killed were identified as Daniel Athian Akuei from Turalei in Warrap State, Deng Deng Ayuel from Turalei, who died at the hospital, Deng Atak Deng from Madhol Payam in Aweil East County, and Maror Malim from Warrap. The wounded soldiers were identified as Yasir Michael and Akoon Bol Madut.

Noon said efforts were underway to notify the families of the deceased, adding that the SSPDF command in Abiem-Nhom was taking measures to strengthen patrols in the area to prevent further attacks.

Sporadic violence and revenge killings have been on the rise across South Sudan, fueled by ongoing communal conflicts and growing tension between government forces and armed groups that have yet to join the peace process. Despite continuous efforts by religious leaders and peace guarantors, reconciliation and stability remain elusive in several parts of the country.