SSDF and SSLA Forces Captured three SPLA’s barracks in Maban

SSDF and SSLA Forces Captured three SPLA’s barracks in Maban

For immediate Release

SSDF and SSLA Joint Command, Maban, South Sudan

April, 17, 2012

The gallant forces of South Sudan Defense Forces (SSDF) and South Sudan Liberation Army (SSLA) today attacked three outposts of SPLA and captured them at 11:30 am, April, 17, 2012. The Joint Forces of SSDF and SSLA were commanded by veteran fighter, Lt. Gen. Gordon Koang Chol, who was member of SPLM/A Political Military High Command in 1980s. Lt. Gen. Gordon Koang, along with Dr. Riek Machar, staged a coup against the leadership of John Garang in Nasir in 1991 and was number three in the SPLM/A-United faction.

The revolutionary forces captured twelve SPLA soldiers including one Major called Peter Deng Awan from Warrap. They also captured one Toyota Land cruiser; destroyed one T-72 tank; captured 23 PKM machine guns, 42 AK-47s; four RPG-7; one B-10; two 12.5 mm and five mortars. Lt. Gen. Gordon Koang said the revolutionary forces will advance to Maban town on Tuesday onwards.

The SSDF and SSLA call upon UNHCR to immediately evacuate refugees from Blue Nile who are in Maban town. Our forces are only 35 KM away from where the refugee camp is located. For their safety, the UNHCR must immediately instruct refugees to go to Ethiopian border which is only five hours walk. The SPLA forces in Maban surrounded the refugees and want to use them as human shields in violation of international laws. We therefore advise the UNMISS to evacuate refugees as soon as possible before Thursday, April, 19, 2012.

We call upon civilians in Malakal to evacuate the town before our forces arrive because SPLA forces intermingle with civilians in the town making it difficult to avoid civilian casualties in the crossfire. It is extremely important for NGOs, civilians and UN personnel to make immediate arrangements to leave Malakal before May.

For Contact:

SSDF and SSLA Joint Command

Maban, Upper Nile State

South Sudan

Email: southsudanliberationarmy@hotmail.com

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PaanLuel Wël

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PaanLuel Wël is the founder and editor-in-chief of PaanLuel Wël Media Ltd, a news website that covers news, opinions, analysis, history, culture and literature of South Sudan and the world. Founded in July 2011 by PaanLuel Wël to create a platform for free expression and constructive dialogue, the website features articles from various contributors, including columnists, commentators, poets, authors, activists and academics. PaanLuel Wël believes that media can play a vital role in informing, educating and empowering the people to participate in nation-building and social transformation. He also believes that media can foster a culture of dialogue, tolerance and diversity among different communities and groups, and hopes to inspire and mentor the next generation of South Sudanese writers and journalists.

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