Unidentified Gunmen Launch Fatal Assault in Northern South Sudan

(MENAFN) Authorities in South Sudan reported that at least 169 people, including senior officials, were killed on Sunday in a sudden assault in the northern part of the country.

Ruweng Administrative Area’s Information Minister, James Monyluak Mijok, described the attack as being carried out by dozens of armed youths, alleging that they came from neighboring Unity state and were connected to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO). The SPLA-IO denied involvement, accusing Unity state authorities of politicizing the violence.

“The dead include 90 children, women and elderly people, as well as 79 members of regional forces, including police,” Mijok said. He added that fifty others were wounded, most of whom were transported to the neighboring Abyei Administrative Area for treatment.

According to Mijok, the attackers struck Abiemnom county in Ruweng before dawn, around 04:30 local time (02:30 GMT), catching residents by surprise. He said, “The government forces on the ground were outnumbered... The assailants set fire to homes and markets during fighting that lasted between three and four hours.” Several senior local officials, including the county commissioner and executive director, were among those killed.

Mijok stated that government forces have since driven out the attackers and that authorities now maintain full control of the area. He also alleged that officials in Unity state “must have had knowledge” of the plan to target Ruweng, though Unity state authorities have not responded.

The motive behind the attack remains unclear.

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