Authorities in Jonglei State say several civilians may have been killed and property damaged following a series of alleged aerial strikes carried out by the SSPDF in parts of Ayod and Uror counties on Tuesday and early Wednesday.
State Minister for Local Government and Law Enforcement, Simon Hoth Dual, confirmed reports of explosions but noted that detailed information on casualties and destruction was still being collected.
“Bombardments occurred in Mogok, in Normanyang Payam. This morning, the plane also struck Pieri and later Lankien,” he told journalists. “That’s the information I have so far, but I don’t yet know the extent of injuries or damage.”
Local leaders and residents are still assessing the aftermath of the reported attacks.
When asked for comment, SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said he was unaware of any operations in the mentioned locations, urging reporters to seek clarification from state authorities.
The circumstances surrounding the reported airstrikes remain uncertain, with Jonglei officials promising more details once field teams complete their assessment.
The SSPDF, alongside their allies from Uganda’s UPDF, launched air operations in eastern Upper Nile State shortly after armed youth, known locally as the White Army, captured an SSPDF base in Nasir County on 4 March, pushing out government forces.
Communities in Ulang and Nasir—areas largely inhabited by the Jikany Nuer—have continued to experience sporadic aerial bombardments since the incident.
