Authorities in Upper Nile State have seized nearly 500 illegal weapons, including AK-47 rifles and PKM machine guns, following a house-to-house search in Malakal town.
The operation, aimed at restoring law and order, focused on disarming unauthorized individuals and reducing security risks.
Speaking to Standard Zone News over the phone, Major General Lul Ruai, the army spokesperson, confirmed the confiscation of illegal weapons, stating that the exercise was carried out by organized forces operating within Upper Nile State.
“I believe this operation is being conducted by the South Sudan Police Service and other organized forces, as the official statement was issued by the commissioner of police for Upper Nile State,” Lul said.
Efforts to reach out to Upper Nile authorities were futile by the time of this press.
The state has been a violence epicenter in recent days following recent clashes between the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) and White Army militias, allegedly allied with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO).
These tensions heightened fears among residents in the state, and this operation can be seen as the start of stability and hope restoration among the communities.
The successful disarmament operation in Malakal would be expected to strengthen security efforts, ensuring that illegal firearms do not fall into the hands of individuals who could destabilize the region.
