SSPDF suffers heavy losses as NAS forces overpower troops in brutal encounters in Yei River County
Freedom fighter of the National Salvation Front (NAS) have successfully repelled two major attacks by Salva Kiir’s South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Central Equatoria on Tuesday, resulting in heavy enemy casualties and the capture of enemy weapons.
In a statement issued by NAS spokesperson Suba Samuel Manase, the attacks occurred in the Lata area, west of Ombaci Boma, Yei River County.
NAS forces engaged an SSPDF battalion in a fierce battle that lasted nearly five hours, forcing them to retreat in disarray, leaving behind several dead soldiers and military equipment.
Later that day, at approximately 4 p.m., SSPDF forces launched a second offensive from Senema toward Kula-Rima, southwest of Ombaci. Again, NAS forces thwarted that advance, inflicting even more losses on the SSPDF and forcing them to withdraw to their base.
.…[humiliated] SSPDF soldiers burned civilian huts and looted property, causing widespread displacement of local residents
On Oct. 3, SSPDF forces returned to Lata to retrieve their dead soldiers, a clash ensued after which SSPDF soldiers burned civilian huts and looted property, causing widespread displacement of local residents.
“Thirteen enemy soldiers were killed, seven others were wounded, and 11 AK-47 rifles, one PKM light machine gun, and ammunition were captured,” Manase said in the statement. “NAS forces lost two gallant fighters, and three others were wounded.”
Manase condemned the unprovoked SSPDF attacks, accusing the government of using military force to distract from internal power struggles and a failing economy. He reiterated NAS’s commitment to liberating South Sudan from President Salva Kiir’s “tribal regime” and pledged continued resistance while advocating for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
“NAS remains committed to genuine dialogue, but we will defend ourselves against any aggression,” Manase said.
NAS leadership congratulated its Zone 1 forces for the victory and expressed condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.
