JUBA — One Somali national was killed and a commercial truck was set on fire in a road ambush last week along South Sudan’s Juba-Terekeka highway, according to the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces, May 1.
Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang, spokesperson for the SSPDF, said fighters from the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO), led by Dr. Riek Machar, launched two separate ambushes targeting trucks moving in opposite directions along the highway. One vehicle was attacked and burned, resulting in the Somali national’s death.
“The vehicle came under a surprise attack and was set ablaze. Unfortunately, one Somali national was killed in the incident,” Lul said in a statement released Monday.
A second attack occurred around 11:30 a.m. at the same location and involved a 30-ton commercial truck en route to Gok-Machar in Aweil North County. Lul said six passengers in another vehicle were hijacked and taken toward an SPLA-IO base in Bye Bye, and their cargo was offloaded into the nearby bush.
Security forces from the National Security Service’s Internal Security Bureau, led by Col. Makoi Mayiei, pursued the attackers and engaged them in what Lul described as a “successful meeting engagement.” Four hostages one South Sudanese and three Sudanese nationals were rescued.
“During their 48-hour ordeal, the hostages were subjected to physical torture,” Lul said. He added they were robbed of five smartphones and personal items, including 4 million South Sudanese pounds, worth about $600.
Lul also cited intelligence reports implicating armed groups from Terekeka County in aiding the SPLA-IO in coordinated ambushes and robberies. He warned such collaboration would result in “targeted military operations.”
Civilians and transporters, especially those without armed escorts, were advised to avoid nighttime travel due to escalating security threats.
