Deadly Attack in South Sudan Claims 169 Lives Amid Rising Tensions

At least 169 people were killed in a surprise attack in South Sudan's Ruweng Administrative Area, according to local authorities. The assault, which occurred early Sunday morning, was reportedly carried out by unidentified armed individuals believed to be linked to the Sudan People's Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO), although the group has denied involvement. The attack resulted in the deaths of 90 civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, as well as 79 regional force members, including police officers.

The attack took place in Abiemnom county, where the assailants set fire to homes and markets during a three to four-hour confrontation. Government forces were initially outnumbered but later regained control of the area. Several senior local officials, including the county commissioner and executive director, were among those killed. The Information Minister of Ruweng, James Monyluak Mijok, accused officials in the neighboring Unity state of having prior knowledge of the attack, though no response has been issued by Unity state authorities.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (Unmiss) expressed alarm over the escalating violence, with around 1,000 civilians seeking protection near its base in the affected region. Unmiss has enhanced its protective measures and is collaborating with the South Sudanese government to restore calm and safeguard communities. Peacekeepers are providing emergency medical care to at least 23 wounded individuals.

Local reports indicate that due to the high number of casualties and ongoing security concerns, victims were buried in a mass grave on Sunday. This incident follows a similar attack in Abiemnom county last year, which resulted in over 42 civilian deaths. In a related development, the medical charity MSF reported that 26 of its staff members went missing following escalating violence in Jonglei state, prompting the suspension of medical services in two areas.

South Sudan, which gained independence in 2011, has been plagued by civil war, poverty, and corruption. The UN has warned of the potential for a return to full-scale civil war, as a 2018 power-sharing agreement between President Salva Kiir and rival Riek Machar has deteriorated over the past year.