For Immediate Release
SPLA confirmed attack on Nassir: A total of 18 soldiers (SPLA and SPLA – IO) are killed and dozen(s) others wounded……..Philip Thon Aleu
March 8, 2016 (SSB) —- The forces of Riek Machar Puot, under the command of Duer Tut Duir, attacked our Constitutional forces in Nasir town at 10 am Tuesday morning. The attack came as a surprise to the Government forces in Nasir who thought that Riek Machar was already appointed as the First Vice President.
The security forces of South Sudan intercepted a call from Riek Machar on Monday ordering Duer Tut Duir to attack Nasir town. A force of 350 rebels attacked the town this morning but were very badly defeated. The SPLA forces, after repulsing the anti-peace elements, refused to exercise the right of hot pursuit to observe the Ceasefire ordered by President Kiir last year.
Our forces killed five rebels and wounded more than twenty. Only one constitutional soldier was wounded when the tribal fascists attacked the town in violation of the ceasefire agreement.
We are appealing to the international community to condemn Riek Machar for violating the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. It is now clear beyond a reasonable doubt that Riek Machar Puot does not want to implement the peace. The attack he launched today in Nasir is an indication that he is not interested to go to Juba as demanded by the international community.
We call upon the United States and the UN to declare Riek Machar as a new Joseph Kony who is not a peace partner in South Sudan and should therefore be sanctioned as soon as possible.
Ambassador Gordon Buay Malek. Washington DC, USA