South Sudan People Defense Forces (SSPDF) and rebels clashes in Nasir county, sources familiar with the situation told Ramciel on Sunday via Whatsapp from Mandeng Payam.
According to Doup a local resident in Mandeng who witnessed the clashes said the government forces move out of their trenches in Nasir, attacked Koat, Noor Deng, and burnt down the surrounding villages.
Thousands have been displaced in the renewed fighting between the rebels and the government troops stationed in Nasir.
“They came out and attacked us in Noor, Koat and many people are killed. They burnt down all the houses, shops and killed women and children.”
The renewed fighting came days after the appointment of commissioners by the president of South Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Doup believes the government is trying to disperse the plan by the White Army to carry out more attacks in neighboring counties including Oil Field, Paloch.
“I think the government yield to rumors that White Army will be attacking Oil Field soon. But this is not true. We are not aware of such a plan but I know of the recent plan to attack Baliet and Adong. Beyond that, I am not sure. Maybe you should talk to someone else with more details on that.”
Doup added that the forces involved in the fighting are not loyal to FVP, Dr. Riek Machar Teny but refused to acknowledge who they are loyal to saying he is not in the position to discuss such a matter.
A local police officer in Jikmir Payam told Ramciel that such an attack will not be tolerated by the community and they will respond in a more devasting way.
“Listen very carefully. We have been attacked. Our houses are burning down and people died. What do you expect us to do? Runaway? Not us.”
The details of the attack are not yet clear and a government official in Nasir declined to give any further details to our questions saying civilians like White Army should not have guns to killed soldiers at any time they want suggesting the White Army may be the one instigating the attack.
There are rumors in Nasir that Hon. Duer Tut Duir may have an interest in the recent clashes between the government and rebels in Noor Deng.