By Matik Kueth
The Sudan People’s Liberation Army–In Opposition (SPLA-IO) has claimed it captured the town of Panyume in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State, following a two-hour battle with government forces on Tuesday morning.
In a press statement, Col. Lam Paul Gabriel, SPLA-IO’s Spokesperson, said the forces launched a sustained offensive against what it described as a major joint operations base of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) in Panyume at around 5:00 a.m.
He stated that fighting continued for approximately two hours before SSPDF forces allegedly lost control of the town at about 7:30 a.m.
“The operation was carried out following directives from the SPLA-IO high command to take the fight to Juba,” Col. Gabriel said.
Gabriel noted that SPLA-IO forces also captured several pieces of military equipment during the operation, including four Wulit armored personnel carriers (APCs), three of which were said to be in good condition while one was destroyed.
He added that two Land Cruiser pickup vehicles, two 82mm mortars with ammunition, and three 12.7mm heavy machine guns were also seized.
“The SPLA-IO command congratulates all our forces for the successful operation against the SPLM-IG regime in the areas already under its control. the struggle continues,” he stressed.
There was no immediate comment from the SSPDF or the government regarding the reported fighting or the claimed loss of Panyume.
Panyume is a strategic location in Morobo County, which lies near the South Sudan–Uganda border and has witnessed repeated clashes between rival forces amid ongoing political and security tensions in the country.