Two days after the South Sudanese government recaptured Malakal, capital of Upper Nile, the bodies of slain fighters still strew the streets amid devastation caused by fire and looting.

Since the withdrawal of opposition forces from the town on Wednesday, there are no more clashes within Malakal itself, but reportedly there were still ongoing clashes in Doleib area and Nagdiar area.

Majok James Chol, a civil society activist, speaking to Radio Tamazuj from Hai Al Matar in Malakal, said that dead bodies were everywhere throughout Malakal.

He said fire had destroyed various areas of the city, claiming it was set by retreating opposition forces and targeting the homes of Dinkas, Shilluks and Maban people.

Some civilians could be seen moving back into the abandoned city to visit their houses in various neighborhoods including Hai Assossa, Hai Sujun, Hai Safi and other areas.

Many dead bodies not yet buried are still lying in various parts of the city such as in government premises along the Nile, around the governor’s house, and in streets of Hai Malakia.

The source described the dead as fallen loyalists of both sides as well as some civilians. “There are a lot of people killed. It could be more than 200 people,” he estimated.

SPLA Brigadier General Malak Ayuen Ajok, one of the army spokesmen, said in remarks to the press that the army sustained only ‘light losses’ in retaking the city, putting the army casualty figure at one soldier killed and two wounded. 

According to the same source in Malakal, there are also reports that some women and girls were abducted. He said that 12 girls or more went missing the day before SPLA entered Malakal, but he was unable to provide details.

Another source speaking to Radio Tamazuj earlier reported a similar case of abduction after an attack on Lelo, across the river from Malakal. He said that six Kau Nyaro refugee girls were abducted several weeks ago. Both reports were unconfirmed.

Wednesday’s attack resulted in the town of Malakal changing hands for the fifth time since December. The opposition forces loyal to Riek Machar have retreated toward the east, according to the army spokesman.

Photo: A home burns in Malakal, South Sudan, on February 13, 2014 (Human Rights Watch)