Date: October 14, 2025
Location: Jur River County, Western Bahr el Ghazal, South Sudan
The South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) launched pre-dawn airstrikes today against positions held by the SPLA in Opposition (SPLA-IO) in Jur River County, prompting panic among local residents who fled their homes in fear of escalating violence.
Strikes in Kuanya & Jebel Teak
According to witnesses, the bombing began around 3:00 a.m. in the Kuanya area, targeting territory under opposition control.
Read: Video Showing Over 1,000 SPLA-IO Fighters Defect to SSPDF in Ayod County
Some residents believe the strike may have been aimed at the home of SPLA-IO General Bol Wek, who was wounded in a previous engagement.
A displaced man, speaking anonymously, described scenes of confusion and terror as families fled Jebel Teak and surrounding villages:
“We were shocked they are using airstrikes in civilian-populated areas We have left our homes I am quite sure our properties will be looted.”
Read: Machar’s Defense Declares Juba Special Court Illegal: Court Mandate Expired, Demands His Immediate Release
He called on government troops to avoid civilian areas and confine military operations to opposition camps.
Official Responses & Conflicting Claims
The SSPDF confirmed that an operation had taken place in SPLA-IO territory, but provided no details on casualties or damage. Major General Lul Ruai Koang said he was awaiting field reports.
SPLA-IO sources acknowledged the attack on Kuanya but denied suffering losses. Colonel Lam Paul Gabriel attributed the strike to renewed government aggression following clashes last month.
Read: Rebel Forces and RSF Forces Regroup Near Sudan Border, South Sudan Officials Warn
He also reiterated that General Bol Wek is recovering from a leg injury sustained in a late-September confrontation.
Security, Fear & the Fragile Peace
In the town of Wau, rumors and uncertainty have stoked fear among residents and local civil society actors. Robo Stephen, a Wau-based activist, warned that the lack of credible information and restricted access for NGOs exacerbate tensions. He urged transparency and a return to dialogue.
Stephen cautioned that South Sudan, which has already struggled with implementing its 2018 peace agreement, cannot afford to slide back into broad-scale conflict.
Read: Civilians Flee Lakama’di as SSPDF Pursues NAS and SPLA-IO Rebel Group in Mundri East
A further blow to stability came recently: SPLA-IO leader and First Vice President Riek Machar is currently on trial in Juba on charges including treason, adding fresh strain to the already fragile unity.
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