SPLA Soldiers [The Nile/Bonifacio Taban]
Malakal, December 23, 2013 (SSNA) –
An intense fighting erupted in Upper Nile State between warring forces of President Kiir and former VP Dr. Machar, the South Sudan News Agency has learned.
The fighting occured today at about 5:00am, South Sudan local time.
Residents of Malakal reported that The Governor of Upper Nile, Simon Kun Puoch, together with few state officials have taken refuge in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) compound.
Eyewitnesses told the SSNA that soldiers were shotting bullets in the air in what they believe was a celeberation of their defetion to Machar’s forces.
The overall commander of both Division one and seven Lt. General Johnson Gony Biliu fled to Paloch.
The fighting happened between units of the SPLA Division 1st and 7th all stationed in and around Malakal, the capital of the Upper Nile State.
It has been reported that Nasir and Ulang countries of Upper Nile State have chased away their counties’ commissioners who they believe are loyal to Kiir. The Commissioner of Nasir County, Dak Tap, is on the run.
Tension remains high throughout the country after president Kiir accused his political rivals of an “attempted coup”.
More details soon.
Source: South Sudan News Agency