Clash at cantonment site in Unity State leaves two dead, five injured

File Photo: Soldiers gather at a cantonment site in Gorom outside Juba

By Chondok Stephen Magei

A clash at a cantonment site south of South Sudan’s Unity State has left one person dead and five others injured, an official of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition, Nhial Kam Both said.

The clash at Korjamus, two kilometers from Mirmir town in Koch County was caused by an attack by armed youths from the County headquarters under the directives of the commissioner, Both told Juba Echo by phone.

The cantonment site is for the SPLM-IO.

“In the fight, our SPLM-IO gallant forces repulse them back with one person dead and five wounded,” Both said.

“They have killed one person in our side.”

The cantonment site is one of the many across the countryside instituted to train former rebels ahead of including them in a unified army with government forces.

The exercise has delayed, with the government blaming lack of funds.

“We call upon peace partners to condemn the attack on our base,” Both said.

It’s the third time fighting has occurred in Mirmir this year.

Koch County Commissioners Koang Biel did not pick his call when contacted by Juba Echo.