South Sudan rebels claim capture of Guit

[Elisabeth Janaina]

South Sudan rebels claim capture of Guit
File photo: SPLA-IO rebels carry guns in Yondu, the day before an
assault on government SPLA soldiers in the town of Kaya, August 25,
2017. (REUTERS)
File photo: SPLA-IO rebels carry guns in Yondu, the day before an
assault on government SPLA soldiers in the town of Kaya, August 25,
2017. (REUTERS)

Fighters loyal to South Sudan’s former Vice President turned rebel
leader Riek Machar claimed taking control of Guit area in Northern
Liech State, their official military spokesperson, William Gatjiath
Deng said Sunday.

Gatjiath told Radio Tamazuj yesterday that their fighters had taken
control of Guit town following fierce clashes with government forces
on Friday.

He added that their forces had inflicted heavy losses on government
troops, claiming that 20 soldiers from the government perished in the
attack.

The rebel spokesman admitted that three soldiers were killed from
their side during the clashes.

But Northern Liech’s minister of information Lam Tungwar dismissed
Gatjiath’s claims, saying the rebel claims of victory on the
frontlines in Guit were baseless and unfounded.

He pointed out that there were no clashes in Guit, saying the area was
under full control of fighters loyal to the country’s First Vice
President Taban Deng Gai.

Separately, Lam Tungwar said at least six people were killed last week
in inter-communal clashes between two families in Rubkona.