South Sudan Army Announces Recapture of Major Rebel-Held Town

South Sudan army announces recapture of major rebel-held town

South Sudan's government forces announce the recapture of the opposition-held town of Akobo -- the latest flashpoint in fighting between rival armies that has brought the country back to the brink of all-out civil war

New ‘military operation’ threatens to escalate South Sudan conflict

The conflict in South Sudan teetered on the brink of a full-blown civil war as civilians fled Akobo County in Jonglei state after the military ordered citizens, United Nations personnel, and humanitarian agencies to leave ahead of planned military operations in the area. The government said the operation by the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) was aimed at flushing out armed opposition groups that have recently expanded their control …

Akobo commissioner orders civilians to stop carrying firearms, urges residents to return

The Commissioner of Akobo County, James Kueth Makuach, has issued a new executive directive ordering civilians in and around Akobo town to stop carrying firearms and to help restore normalcy in the area following recent tensions. In a statement released on Wednesday, the commissioner instructed all individuals who still possess guns within the town to keep their weapons at home and move freely in a peaceful and civil manner. He warned that anyon…

SSPDF says it captured Akobo, urges humanitarian agencies to return

The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces have announced the recapture of Akobo from opposition forces and directed UNMISS and humanitarian agencies to resume operations in the area immediately. The army spokesperson, Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang, called on humanitarian organizations to return to Akobo and resume assistance to the population. This follows the recapture of

SSPDF says it captured strategic Akobo town - Radio Tamazuj

South Sudan’s army said Wednesday it had taken control of the strategic town of Akobo from opposition forces, marking what it described as the loss of the last major stronghold of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in the Lou Nuer areas of Jonglei State. Akobo, near the Ethiopian border, had remained under the control of the SPLA-IO since civil war erupted in December 2013.  The town became the last major base for the opp…