{UAH} South Sudan: Rebels Kill Ugandan Soldiers in Upper Nile - Spokesperson

Addis Ababa — The armed opposition faction of the Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement (SPLM-in-Opposition) under the leadership of former vice-president, Riek Machar, have claimed to have killed in action Ugandan soldiers taking part in the renewed clashes against their forces in Upper Nile state.

In a press release issued on Saturday seen by Sudan Tribune, SPLM-in-Opposition military spokesman, Brig Lul Ruai Koang said two Ugandan tank drivers, male and female, were killed and that their pictures and identities will soon be released to the public.

He said the personnel belonging to the foreign army took part in the attempt by the government to gain more territories from the rebels on Friday.

"To be included in the next press statement are pictures of some of the latest versions of AKM-47 assault rifles captured in the battles, IDs of Ugandan Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF), 1 female and 1 male Tank Drivers killed in action," Koang said.

The rebels spokesperson further broke down the losses inflicted on the government troops and captured equipment which include: an estimated 400-500 loyal troops were killed in action; three (3) T-72 battle tanks and 1 Armoured Personnel Carrier captured in good conditions were later destroyed after the barge that was supposed to ferry them across southern bank of Sobat River could not handle their sheer weight.

He further enumerated that one (1) 120MM captured in good condition; five (5) 82MM captured in good condition; thirty(30) PRGs captured in good condition; fifty (50) PKM light machine guns captured in good condition; three hundred (300) AKM-47 captured in good condition; fight (8) 12.7 captured in good condition; one store full of shells of different weaponry and food items was captured; and one store full of ammunitions for different weaponry was destroyed.

UGANDA DEPLOYS AIR FORCE TO UPPER NILE

"By yesterday evening, the government in Juba sent in more personnel and equipment to Malakal town including Attacker Helicopters, Gunships and Jet Fighters from UPDF's Air Force. These war planes are expected to carry out air strikes on unidentified and unspecified SPLA targets in Greater Upper Nile Region." Koang said.

Sudan Tribune