SPLA-IO claim recapture of Phom El Zeraf
South Sudan’s armed opposition announced on Thursday that they regained control of Phom El Zeraf, an area in northern Jonglei that was attacked and captured by Salva Kiir’s forces late last month.
SPLM-IO forces commanded by Brig. Gen. Chuol Nhial Kok regained control of the town which is headquarters of Fangak County on Wednesday, according to military spokesman Lul Ruai.
Ruai said that they inflicted heavy losses on the SPLA-Juba and forced them to withdraw.
“A barge carrying some soldiers, weaponry and other equipment sailed back to Malakal under heavy artillery fire. Foot soldiers fled in two directions with our forces in hot pursuit,” he said.
One group fled towards Nyijuat in neighboring Panyikang County in Upper Nile State and another group toward Dor in the same county.
Radio Tamazuj sought to contact SPLA-Juba spokesman Col. Philip Aguer on Thursday, but he could not be reached.
File photo
Related:
Unclear who controls Fangak after clashes (28 Nov.)