Early morning strikes sow fear
Local residents in Ayod, Uror and Nyirol counties woke to thunderous explosions on Tuesday. Witnesses reported shells landing near homesteads shortly after 9 a.m., describing the episode as the heaviest bombardment since sporadic clashes reignited this year.
Casualties and communication blackout
In Ayod’s Wau area, community member James said eight civilians, five of them women, died instantly. “We are burying them now,” he told local radio. Limited network coverage meant relatives struggled to verify injuries in neighbouring hamlets.
Uror County coordinator Chot Jak confirmed shelling in Pieri Payam but could not reach the site. “The mobile network is down, so casualty figures remain unknown,” he explained, noting that the densely populated trading centre had no early-warning siren.
Displacement unfolds across payams
Reports from church groups suggest hundreds are trekking toward Motot, Yuai and remote cattle camps, carrying small children and grain sacks. Mothers told volunteers they feared further sorties and hoped bush paths would shield them from aerial sighting.
Authorities seek clarity amid accusations
State minister Simon Hoth Dual confirmed surveillance of “unexplained aerial and artillery activity” and said assessment teams will deploy as soon as roads are passable. Community elders, however, accuse the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces of using a gunship against rebels.
The army has not issued a statement. Observers argue that, without transparent inquiry, mistrust may deepen, hampering ongoing peace dialogues facilitated by faith leaders in Bor. For now, frightened families await calm before returning to rebuild their huts.