Jonglei State fighting in Uror County
The Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) says its forces inflicted significant losses on the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and allied troops during clashes in Jonglei State. The reported fighting is part of a wider rise in hostilities in the area.
SPLA-IO statement alleges Pathai village burning
In a statement issued on Wednesday, SPLA-IO spokesperson Col. Lam Paul Gabriel alleged that joint forces loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Government (SPLM-IG) burned Pathai village on Monday evening. He said the alleged move was linked to preparations for an attack on SPLA-IO positions in Uror County.
Ambush claim near Pabuong and pursuit toward Pakam
Col. Lam said SPLA-IO forces ambushed the SPLM-IG-aligned joint forces on Tuesday morning in Pabuong, describing heavy casualties and an ongoing pursuit toward Pakam. “They were ambushed and badly defeated… and are now being pursued towards Pakam,” he said.
Verification challenges and SSPDF response pending
SPLA-IO did not provide casualty figures. Independent verification remains difficult, with limited access to the affected areas. There was no immediate comment from the SSPDF on the alleged ambush or the reported burning of Pathai village.
Local reports of sporadic gunfire in Uror area
Local sources contacted by Sudans Post reported sporadic gunfire in parts of Uror and neighbouring areas. However, details about the clashes could not be independently confirmed, reflecting the broader information gaps around violence in remote locations.
Political tensions and the 2018 peace deal context
The latest violence is unfolding amid political and military tensions between forces aligned to President Salva Kiir and those loyal to suspended First Vice President Riek Machar. This persists despite the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which formally ended large-scale hostilities in 2018.
Humanitarian concerns: displacement and access constraints
Humanitarian agencies and observers warn that renewed clashes in Jonglei could drive fresh civilian displacement and tighten access constraints. They also caution that continued insecurity risks deepening an already fragile humanitarian situation for communities previously affected by violence in the state.