By Jenifer James
The spokesperson of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai has confirmed the arrival of seven SSPDF soldiers in Juba after surviving a deadly attack on Nassir town in Upper Nile State. Their evacuation was made possible with the support of the governor of Jonglei State, who facilitated their transportation from Bong Village to Juba.
Speaking to Journalists on Thursday at the Airport, spokesperson of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), Maj Gen Lul Ruai said, on the 7th of this month, Nassir town in Nassir County, Upper Nile State, was attacked and overrun by the White Army.
‘’ I have come here for one very good reason. You recall that on the 7th of this month, Nassir Town of Nassir County in Upper Nile state was attacked and over runed by the white army after it was over runed, of course our forces were dislodged. Some were dislodged to an island called Torjowi. Some held up the position for four to five days. One successful extracted recovery was done by UNMISS, and the survivors were taken to Malakal.’’ Lul said.
Following the attack, UNMISS successfully extracted a group of survivors and transported them to Malakal. However, a separate rescue attempt on Friday ended in tragedy, resulting in the killing of the base commander, Maj. Gen. David Majur. The remaining forces scattered in different directions, with many seeking refuge in villages in Ulang County.
“After the forces were dislodged from Nasir, they fled in different directions, and the majority of the forces sought refuge in different villages in Ulang County. I also received information that some received protection from elements of the White Army in Nasir County,” Lul said.
The SSPDF forces were accompanied by the leader of the white army in Bong village. The attack on Nasir town began on March 7 of this year, resulting in the displacement of SSPDF troops, with many seeking refuge in remote areas. Efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue more survivors.