Clashes in Jonglei State’s Uror County have killed at least 70 South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) soldiers and civilians while displacing tens of thousands from their homes, local officials reported.
The fighting erupted on January 2, 2026, in Yuai, the administrative headquarters of Uror County, pitting SSPDF troops against forces of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) loyal to suspended First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
Majiok Chop, Uror County’s director of information, said on Wednesday that SPLA-IO forces overran the town after intense clashes lasting about 80 minutes.
“The battle in Yuai was a heavy one… killing 70 government soldiers and civilians,” Chop said.
“There was destruction in the market with all shops looted, leaving tens of thousands of civilians to desert Yuai for their safety.”
The government official described the incident as the sixth and most devastating attack on the town since 2013, leaving it vandalized and largely deserted.
Speaking from a village on the outskirts of Yuai, Chop said the government-appointed county commissioner, James Gatkhor Gatluak, had been evacuated to neighboring Duk County for safety, with government operations suspended.
The clashes have sparked a severe humanitarian crisis, with displaced civilians facing shortages of food and shelter.
Chop added that boreholes in surrounding villages were destroyed, forcing people to drink contaminated water.
Many residents have fled to swamp areas inside Uror County, while others have sought refuge in Duk County.
Duk County Commissioner John Chatim Ruei confirmed receiving an influx of displaced people.
“Since the fighting on 2 January, we received 7,000 people displaced from Uror County,” Ruei said.
“The displaced people are now in the areas of Pajut, Poktap, Patuet, Pagak, and Duk Padiet. They are in dire need of food and shelter.”
He noted that the violence has also displaced residents from Duk’s border villages amid fears of spillover.
While Duk remains calm with SSPDF forces in control, the influx has disrupted aid operations, prompting organizations like Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to withdraw staff to Bor town.
