South Sudan: Army, Rebels Battle Over Key Oil-Rich Town
25 March 2014
Juba - Fierce clashes occurred Monday between South Sudan government forces
and rebels in Upper Nile's Nasir county, with the former claiming it was
advancing to take control of the opposition stronghold.
Multiple military sources and local officials within the state
administration told Sudan Tribune that government troops were close to Nasir
following two days of fierce battles along the way, just days after rebels
retreated from the state capital, Malakal.
The advancement of government troops on rebel-held areas is allegedly being
aided by the use of heavy weapons and air bombardments.
South Sudan army (SPLA) spokesperson Phillip Aguer told journalists that its
forces drove rebels back in different directions after capturing Malakal,
and were now in "hot pursuit" on them.
"The SPLA pushed the rebels into two directions from Malakal. Some have gone
to the direction past Adong and between Nyinthar-Malual and Doleib. Our
forces fought the last battle in Anakdiar during which the rebels were
pushed out past Adong," Aguer said on Monday.
The military officer also confirmed that another clash took place in Guel
Guk, an area located west of Adar oil field, after rebels reportedly fell
into an ambush laid by government forces.
"Yesterday (Sunday) evening, the SPLA followed the rebels up and the two
forces clashed as they battled for the control of Nasir. They are mounting
resistance, but I don't think they will manage," he said.
A military source in Adar, however, told Sudan Tribune that the shelling had
been ongoing since Saturday.
"The group which we repulsed last on Wednesday has been joined by the two
groups which fled Malakal after it was captured by our forces. They
regrouped and are attempting to attack our positions. They have started
shelling our positions since Saturday and it is continuing," the source said
on Monday.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) reported
hearing sporadic gunfire in Malakal town, as well as near its base. It also
observed deployments of SPLA forces in the southern part of the Upper Nile
capital and in the barracks north of the town.
REBELS DISMISS ARMY CLAIMS
James Gatdet Dak, the spokesperson of rebel leader Riek Machar, has
dismissed allegations government forces were advancing towards Nasir town,
describing the claims as "wild propaganda".
"The latest information we have received from our leadership on the ground
indicated that the fighting was still taking place around Malakal in areas
of Baliet county," Dak told Sudan Tribune on Monday evening.
He claimed government forces and their foreign allies were confined to the
Makal Shilluk area on the outskirts of Malakal, with rebels putting up stiff
resistance in the southern part of the city.
Dak also confirmed that rebel forces had liberated Kaka from government
troops loyal to president Salva Kiir.
He claimed that rebel units under the direct command of Brig. Gen. Joseph
Chegai Gatluak and Maj. Gen. Gabriel Tangiye respectively had gained control
of Kaki-Tujeriah at dawn on Tuesday.
"Our forces were joined in liberating Kaki by defectors from SSDA/M (South
Sudan Democratic Movement/Army ) pro-government militia led by Maj. Gen.
Ayuk Ogad. More information on casualties, sand equipment destroyed from the
attacking forces will follow," Brig. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said in a statement
extended to Sudan Tribune.
He further claimed that the fall of Kaka, a gateway to Monyo county in the
Shilluk kingdom on the western bank of River Nile, would cut off food
supplies to residents in Malakal town.