SSPDF/SPLM-IO resume joint campaign against NAS positions in EES, CES and WES
After their humiliating defeat in April this year, Kiir’s SSPDF and Machar’s SPLM-IO appear to have regrouped and have resumed their joint military campaign against NAS positions in Eastern, Western and Central Equatoria States.
According to a press release issued today by NAS Spokesperson Suba Samuel, these operations also target civilian populations to displace and force them either into towns as Internally Displace Persons (IDPS) or compelling them to seek refuge in neighbouring countries. The ongoing campaign is already causing civilian displacement and humanitarian disaster in the areas mentioned.
“In the morning hours of 25th July 2020, the SSPDF force launched an attack on NAS tactical position at Youndu in Kimba Payam Morobo County. NAS forces fought back in self-defense forcing the enemy to retreat towards Poki Hills and to Kaya town with some casualties,” read the statement in part.
Similarly, NAS positions along Juba-Torit road on the eastern bank of the Nile also came under attack a few days ago, all as part of their new tactics of aggression of conducting isolated operations against NAS positions in Eastern, Western and Central Equatoria States to avoid publicity and attention.
“On 16th July 2020, the SSPDF shelled and later attacked NAS position at Lowe in Liria area on the Juba-Torit road. NAS forces fought back in self-defense countering the enemy in two successful ambushes. In these ambushes five (5) SSPDF soldiers were killed in action and many sustained injuries
“While on 18th July 2020, in Lobonok County, the SSPDF launched an attack on NAS position from two (2) axes. One attack was using the assembled forces at Mangat area at Aru junction through Muli to Nyarbanga while the other force was closing in from Lobonok to Karpeto,” read another press release issued July 19 2020.
While NAS reiterates its commitment to the Cessions of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) signed on 21st December 2017 in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, and to the Rome Declaration signed on 20th January 2020 in Rome Italy, it reserves the right to self-defense, as it continues to uphold its commitment to protecting the innocent civilians and their property.
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