By Horn Africa News
YEI RIVER COUNTY – Armed opposition forces under the joint command of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the National Salvation Front–Thomas Cirillo (NAS-TC) launched coordinated attacks early Saturday, capturing key bases of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Lasu and Libogo.
The offensive, carried out at around 5:00 a.m., resulted in the seizure of a large cache of weapons, including a Land Cruiser pickup mounted with a 14.5 mm machine gun, a 120 mm mortar, a 12.7 mm machine gun, and several assault rifles. According to opposition sources, twelve SSPDF soldiers were killed in the clashes, while the joint forces suffered five fatalities.
In a separate incident on August 15, SPLA-IO units, supported by local armed youth, intercepted SSPDF soldiers moving from Burabyie towards Jikmiir in Upper Nile State. The opposition claims the government troops intended to harass civilians and loot property. Weapons from the operation were reportedly recovered intact.
Humanitarian Concerns
The renewed fighting is raising fears of worsening humanitarian conditions. Aid organizations face mounting challenges in reaching affected communities as military operations intensify. Civilians are being urged to avoid military bases and convoys to reduce the risk of being caught in crossfire.
Humanitarian agencies have appealed for unrestricted access to deliver food, medical supplies, and shelter to vulnerable populations. Observers warn that without urgent intervention, displacement and suffering among civilians could escalate further.
