South Sudan: Nearly 150 Dead in Clash Between Kiir and Machar Forces — Report

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July 8, 2016 (JUBA) – Clashes between South Sudan’s rival forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those loyal to the First Vice President, Riek Machar, have left nearly 150 soldiers dead from both sides.

The heavy fighting occurred on Friday near J1, the Presidential Palace, between troops of the South Sudanese army (SPLA) and protection unit of the First Vice President, Machar, of the SPLA in Opposition.

Sources said at least 150 people were confirmed dead on both sides.

“We counted about 35 of the SPLA-IO soldiers lying dead and over 80 died from the SPLA’s side. But this was not the total figure,” a senior military officer from President Salva Kiir’s faction told Sudan Tribune on Friday evening.

“It looked as if all the bodyguards of the First Vice President who were deployed on the street outside J1 were killed,” he added.

Friday’s fighting near the Presidential Palace was the most deadly clash since formation of the transitional government in South Sudan.

Please see Sudan Tribune
 

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