Seven soldiers of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) were killed and several others injured in a Wednesday morning attack by suspected forces of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) in Maridi County, Western Equatoria State, authorities have confirmed.
Maridi County Executive Director John Ezikia, quoted by Amadi FM, a local radio station in Western Equatoria, said the clash broke out around 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
According to him, the suspected SPLM-IO fighters stormed an SSPDF position in Monubu village along the Maridi–Juba Road.
“Seven soldiers lost their lives, and several others were injured in the clash,” Ezikia said. “The situation has raised fear among civilians living around Monubu village.”
The SSPDF detachment, established only a month ago, had been deployed to carry out road patrols following a rise in insecurity along the Maridi–Juba Road.
Wednesday’s assault is the latest in a series of violent incidents.
In recent weeks, four farm laborers, two men and two women—were abducted from the farm of Africano Mande, though later released.
In the same area, armed men suspected to be from SPLM-IO also set six motorcycles on fire.
Local residents say Maridi has faced repeated ambushes just miles outside town, leaving travelers and farmers gripped with fear as the strategic highway continues to be plagued by insecurity.
Authorities in Maridi are yet to announce new security measures following the attack.
