Unidentified attackers early Sunday morning shot a security guard and burnt three parked vehicles at a Juba-Nimule highway check point.

The firing started at about one o’clock in the morning at Anzara, about 2 kilometers outside Nimule, Radio Miraya reported.

“They wounded one custom guard by the name of Boyi Modi, a 32-year old sergeant by rank. They also burnt three vehicles, including a fuel vehicle,” Nimule Town Clerk David Eriga told the station.

Two of the burned vehicles were numberless and were awaiting clearance, Pageri Area chief administrator Emilio Igga told Radio Emmanuel.

Witness Philip Thon Aleu said the shooting began not far from his home. “I was awakened by the loud sound of AK47s,” he posted in the social media site Facebook later that day.

“After about 10 minutes, while I was now guessing what was happening, sounds of guns came from Malakaya suburb," he continued, Sudan Tribune reported. "I made phone calls there and I was told some gunmen attacked a check point. After another few minutes, several shots were fired from Malakaya again and a thick smoke arose. Three trucks are set ablaze.”

Administrator Igga says in a separate incident on that same day, residents heard gunshots at Nimule airstrip by unknown attackers. The wounded customs guard is receiving treatment at Nimule hospital, and an investigation is under way.

Rebels claim responsibility

James Gatdet Dak, spokesperson for rebel leader Riek Machar, claimed responsibility for the attack. Dak said SPLA-In Opposition forces under command of Major General Martin Kenyi preempted an attack by government forces, Sudan Tribune reported.

“Clashes occurred inside Nimule town on Sunday at 1am until 4am when our forces withdrew from the town after destroying government’s war logistics in the area,” Dak said.

Dak’s assertion could not be independently verified. Machar’s rebels have previously claimed responsibility for violence in the Equatoria region only to back down on such statements later.

Eriga said measures to increase security will include intensified night patrols, closing of disco halls, and a ban on boda boda driving past 10 pm. Reports say the town has otherwise returned to its normal business since the unrest.