Sukhoi Su-30MK2 fighter of the Ugandan Air Force [defenceweb.co.za]
Bor, December 21, 2013 (SSNA) —At least three jets of the Ugandan air force bombed the positions of the General Peter Gatdet Yak in Bor, the capital of Jonglei State.
One of the jets is reported to have been shut down by Gatdet’s forces, Eyewitnesses in the area told the South Sudan News Agency.
The bombings come just one day after Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni sent his special forces to Juba, asserting that he acts at the request of the South Sudanese President.
The SSNA cannot independently verify the reports.
Conflicting accounts
Earlier today, media outlets including the SSNA reported bombing campaign in Bor carried out by the Ugandan Air Force against forces loyal to the defected General Peter Gatdet Yak. At least three Ugandan jets were seen to have participated in the air campaign.
But, the BBC reported that a plane that was conducting an evacuation mission to rescue American citizens in Bor was the target.
The Ugandan government remains silent on the report.
Meanwhile SPLA spokesman Philip Aguer said government troops backed by helicopter gunships are advancing toward Jonglei to retake the Bor from the rebels, the AFP reports.
Other developments
Residents of Bentiu city reported that the SPLA Division 4th Commander James Koang has announced his rebellion on a local radio station, saying he is ready to fight against the government. But, the SPLA plays down the defection vowing the General defected without any soldiers with him. The SSNA later confirmed the defection of General Koang.
Tension remains high throughout the country since the alleged coup was reported to have taken place. At least 500 people have been killed in Juba alone and the number of those killed is believed to be high.
Source: South Sudan News Agency
