SPLM/A-IO has accused forces of the Sudanese Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) of looting a number of cattle and killing three civilians in Unity State. 

The Sudanese rebels denied the accusations and said that JEM forces are not present in South Sudanese territory.

SPLM/A-IO spokesman in Unity State Petro Jouj Machar told Radio Tamazuj that JEM forces led by Mohamed Abdel Jafer crossed from Pariang County toward Bentiu town on 21 December 2014.

Pariang County is controlled by the SPLM/A-Juba faction, while Bentiu is garrisoned by SPLM/A-Juba in territory contested by SPLM/A-IO.

“On 21 December 2014, JEM forces led by Gen. Mohamed Abdel Jafer entered Unity State with 14 military trucks equipped with military equipment. They came from Pariang County,” he said.

The rebel official said JEM forces have been spotted in different areas of the state including Pan-Akuel, Panyang, Yida, Tumur in Mayom County, and Kaika.

He accused them of looting 470 head of cattle from civilians in Mayom County and killing three civilians. “They have not entered into any clashes but the killed three civilians,” he said.

However, JEM spokesman Jibril Adam Bilal denied the accusations, saying that JEM have no intention in targeting civilians and looting their cattle, and claiming that JEM does not have any presence in South Sudan.

File photo: Areas of control in northern Unity State