SPLA Forces Advancing To Ayod County

SPLA Forces Advancing To Ayod County

Posted to the web on January 11, 2014

January 11, 2014 (JUBA) -- The former spokesman of South Sudan Liberation Army (SSLA) has claimed that rebel forces led by Major General James Koang Chuol have escaped with a group of 25 officers running towards Ayod County in Jonglei state along the White Nile after government forces recaptured Bentiu in Unity State.

“The SPLA army is now sending Special Forces to the east of the White Nile to intercept him before reaching Ayod. The plan of James Koang is to link up with Riek Machar, who is now hiding in Akobo,” said Gordon Buay in a statement.

He said that the SPLA decided to send Maj-Gen Mathews Pul Jang, with a force of 5,000 former SSLA, to Bor town to reinforce Lt. Gen. Malual Ayom.

“Starting from tomorrow [today], 5,000 SPLA soldiers of former SSLA will be transported to Bor to dislodge Peter Gatdet,” he said.

He added that “Maj. Gen. Johnson Olony, the former deputy leader of the SSLA will command a force of 2,000 SPLA to Akobo to secure the area and will be joined by SPLA battalion that will move from Bor to liberate Uror and Nyirol counties.

“We have credible information that Dr. Riek Machar is hiding in Akobo town. For that reason, former SSLA fighters who were integrated into the SPLA will be sent to Akobo to look for him. The force will be commanded by Maj. Gen. Johnson Olony who is a very tough and effective General who fought many battles,” he said.

South Sudan army, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) yesterday confirmed to have recapture the Unity State capital and forces are advancing towards suspected zone were anti-government forces loyal to former Vice President Riek Machar Teny escaped for hideout.

Philip Aguer Panyang said that: “I can confirm to you that the SPLA is now in full control of Bentiu, which was under the control of the rebels. It was recaptured at about 2:30pm today [Friday] after the Operation Ending Tribalism successfully liberated Bentiu town from the anti-peace elements of Maj. Gen. James Koang, the SPLA forces are now chasing him towards the White Nile.”