Juba (AFP) - South Sudan's army on Monday accused rebel forces of massing troops and preparing to launch an assault against the strategic northern oil town of Malakal.
The warning of potential renewed heavy fighting came even though the two sides are supposed to be holding to a ceasefire agreement signed in Ethiopia last month and are still engaged in peace talks.
"As we speak today Riek's forces are in a place called Donglei, a distance of eight kilometres (five miles) from Malakal town," army spokesman Philip Aguer told reporters.
The fighting, which erupted on December 15, is between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and renegade soldiers and militia supporting former vice president Riek Machar.
"The SPLA (South Sudan army) in Malakal are expecting the rebels to attack from today or tomorrow," Aguer said, but added that the army "is capable of defending Malakal," the capital of the oil-rich Upper Nile state.
"The SPLA will flush the rebels out," he said, adding that civilians would be free to leave the town if they felt in danger.
The fighting in South Sudan has left thousands dead and displaced close to 900,000 people.
- Politics & Government
- Unrest, Conflicts & War
- South Sudan
Source http://news.yahoo.com/south-sudan-accuses-rebels-preparing-assault-key-town-145020676.html
Newer articles:
- 20 South Sudan soldiers charged for killing civilians - 18/02/2014 04:06
- South Sudan army warns of rebels attack - 18/02/2014 00:54
- south-sudan-rebels-upper-nile-reuters-180214.JPG - 18/02/2014 00:38
- South Sudan army denies using cluster bombs - 17/02/2014 19:46
- South Sudan army denies using cluster bombs after fragments found - 17/02/2014 18:46
Older news items
- South Sudan: Investigate new cluster bomb use - 16/02/2014 23:50
- In South Sudan ghost town, diggers clear space for bodies - 16/02/2014 10:41
- South Sudan: Threat of famine as fighting continues - 15/02/2014 17:13
- South Sudan: Released Political Detainees Hope to Jump-Start Peace Talks - 15/02/2014 07:20
- South Sudan: Investigate New Cluster Bomb Use - HRW - 15/02/2014 05:49
Latest news items (all categories):
- The power struggles among South Sudan’s political leaders are the direct cause of its ongoing conflict - 11/07/2026 14:03
- Celebrating Independence In The Midst Of Sorrow - 11/07/2026 13:41
- South Sudan resumes oil-backed financing - 11/07/2026 13:33
- Press statement: Strive For National Unity In Honor Of South Sudan's Independence - 10/07/2026 21:23
- Fifteen years of independence for South Sudan, but still little to celebrate - 10/07/2026 21:23
Random articles (all categories):
- South Sudan Frees 7 Detainees Accused of Coup Plot - 29/01/2014 16:33
- S.Sudan rebels warn govt 'derailing' peace deal - 06/10/2015 05:05
- East African Community waives South Sudan debt - 27/11/2023 04:59
- First South Sudan oil cargo to reach Sudan facility next week - SUNA - 22/04/2013 14:33
- South Sudan Foreign Minister: #39;We Need Help, Not Sanctions #39; - 05/12/2014 21:03
Popular articles:
- Who is the darkest person in the world, according to Guinness World Record? - 25/10/2022 02:34 - Read 147791 times
- School exam results in South Sudan show decline - 01/04/2012 17:58 - Read 27849 times
- Top 10 weakest currency exchange rates in Africa in 2023 - 19/07/2023 00:24 - Read 24938 times
- No oil in troubled waters - 25/03/2014 15:02 - Read 24258 times
- NDSU student from South Sudan receives scholarship - In-Forum - 29/09/2012 01:44 - Read 22172 times
