SPLM/A-IO claims their troops at Morota military training center came under heavy attack as of Monday morning.
Williams Gatjieth, the military spokesperson of the rebel’s army led by First Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar said SSPDF attack their position on Monday morning regardless of the recent call to a ceasefire.
In a statement seen by Ramciel, Williams said SSPDF retreated after their forces repulsed such an attack.
“It was today this morning at around 6:00 AM, East African Time, when Morota the SPLA (IO) military garrison came under attack by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) regardless of using heavy weapons, the merciless forces of the regime have for sure retreated by the freedom fighters after 30 minutes in action, but leaving behind and facing a huge loss.”
According to Williams, the government forces finally lost power, and as a result, scattered them into bushes. Brig. Gen. Peter Wal Chuol is in charge of the SPLM/A-IO in the Morota training center.
“Moreover, the regime’s forces had resumed fighting again at 8:00 AM, which led to their complete loss of power and as a result, the gallant forces of the SPLA (IO) under Command of Cdr, Brig. General Peter Wal Chuol, had professionally responded with full energy and narrowly squeezed the enemy into inaccessible directions in the bushes of Morota.”
The army which is under all command of the SPLA (IO) Maj General John Mabieh Gaar, has today shown their victorious sign after they had resisted the series of attacks from the regime’s forces. Has for the past couples of days resisted attach by the government forces, Williams added.
Williams sends out a clear message asking Madam Angelina Teny, the current Defense minister an IO, and the SSPDF Chief of Staff to look into why government forces continue to attack their positions. The IO spokesman posed a series of questions addressing his supposedly military chief, Angelina Teny.
“Therefore, the SPLA (IO) military leadership has learned with dismay, and observed with a sense of astonishment and would like to confirm from the current leadership, especially the Defence Minister, Madam Angelina Teny, and the Chief of (SSPDF) Johnson Jimma, as to why do the (SSPDF) which acts as a national army of South Sudan continue attacking the SPLA (IO) military barracks while we are in peace?
And why those who have responsibilities in the (R-TGONU) remain silent ever since, and even no word of condemnation or asking the perpetrators to stop fighting? The army leadership thought, the Revitalized peace agreement should have been on the verge of the prevailing peace in the country and should have been ready for an amalgamation process to form a one National Army, Security, and Police, but things still contrary, and why do you keep silence? Do you think the SPLA (IO) should not have an impact on the peace process?”
Why does the regime collected forces in broad daylight from both Malakal and Bentiu respectively at your watch and you are still silent, why?
This renewed fighting between IO forces and government troops at Morota threatening the fragile peace agreement currently under pressure from the international community.