15 killed, 28 injured in Raja clashes: Official

[Elisabeth Janaina]

RAJA - 17 Apr 2017


15 killed, 28 injured in Raja clashes: Official

Authorities in South Sudan’s Lol State said on Sunday that at least 15
people were killed and 28 others wounded after an attack by rebels in
the western town of Raja.

Lol Minister of Information Omar Isahaq told Radio Tamazuj that at
least 10 civilians were killed and three others wounded during clashes
between government troops and rebel forces in Raja town on Friday
afternoon.

He further said five government soldiers were killed and 25 others
wounded in the attack in Raja town.

Omar, who is also the state government spokesman, claimed that their
forces killed at least 58 rebels and wounded three others within the
town.

He pointed out that the recent fighting displaced a large number of
people. However, he said the government plans to bring them back to
the town.

Rebel officials in Raja town could not immediately be reached for comment.

The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) called upon warring parties in
the country to show restraint in the face of an escalation in violence
and remember their responsibility towards protecting civilians from
conflict.

UNMISS further said fresh fighting has broken out between government
troops and opposition forces in a number of locations including Raga
in the west of South Sudan, Waat in Jonglei to the east and in the
area of Wunkur and Tonga in the northern Upper Nile region.