82 die in south Sudan clash
May 11, 2011
KHARTOUM: A south Sudan rebel group carried out a cattle raid in War rap state that led to 82 deaths, including women and children, a southern army spokesman said on Tuesday, the latest deadly violence to afflict the nation in waiting.
Militiamen, under the leadership of Philip Bepan, attacked the southern Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in neighbouring Unity state on Saturday, SPLA spokesman Philip Aguer told AFP.
“They were chased away and went to Warrap state, where they attacked cattle camps on May 8, at a place called Balhom Weth. They killed 34 and wounded 45 civilians, including women and children,” he said.
“On the same day they were returning with the looted cattle, they were ambushed by the cattle herders. Forty-eight of the militia were killed and 48 of their new AK-47 rifles were taken,” he added. South Sudan, due for independence in July, is reeling from a string of battles between its SPLA and various militia groups since January’s largely peaceful independence referendum.
Militiamen, under the leadership of Philip Bepan, attacked the southern Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in neighbouring Unity state on Saturday, SPLA spokesman Philip Aguer told AFP.
“They were chased away and went to Warrap state, where they attacked cattle camps on May 8, at a place called Balhom Weth. They killed 34 and wounded 45 civilians, including women and children,” he said.
“On the same day they were returning with the looted cattle, they were ambushed by the cattle herders. Forty-eight of the militia were killed and 48 of their new AK-47 rifles were taken,” he added. South Sudan, due for independence in July, is reeling from a string of battles between its SPLA and various militia groups since January’s largely peaceful independence referendum.
