War & Conflict

SSPDF Halves Khor Kaltan Attack Death Toll to 36 Amid Disputed Claims

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SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang

JUBA/KHOR KALTAN — The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has made significant changes to the reported casualty figures. This follows a brutal weekend assault on artisanal gold miners in Central Equatoria State.

The military command now claims the attack in Khor Kaltan left 36 people dead. This is a sharp 50 percent decrease from the initial public estimate of 73 fatalities.

The “Fog of War” Revision

SSPDF Spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang issued the revised figures on Wednesday. He described this as a verification of missing persons. It also involved eyewitness accounts.

  • The New Tally: The military now officially states that 12 SSPDF soldiers and 24 civilians were killed during the March 28 attack near Jebel Iraq. An additional three soldiers and over 20 civilians sustained injuries.
  • The Explanation: Maj. Gen. Lul attributed the initial, much higher death toll to the “fog of war,” noting that several individuals initially reported dead were later discovered alive.
  • The Pursuit: The spokesperson further claimed that SSPDF forces pursued the retreating attackers on March 29, successfully “neutralizing” eight combatants, including their local commander.

Discrepancies and Blame

The deadly assault has triggered an immediate exchange of accusations between state security organs and armed opposition forces.

  • The Military’s Suspects: The SSPDF explicitly blamed elements of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the National Salvation Front (NAS) for orchestrating the massacre.
  • The Counter-Claim: The SPLA-IO formally condemned the attack on Monday, firmly rejecting any responsibility. The opposition blamed government forces for the violence, asserting that the Khor Kaltan area was strictly under SSPDF territorial control at the time of the killings. No group has officially claimed responsibility for the assault.

The State-Level Investigation

The Central Equatoria State government released slightly different figures before the SSPDF’s revision. This highlights the persistent challenges of intelligence gathering in active conflict zones.

  • The State Tally: State Minister of Information Hon. Nyarsuk Patrick James reported 37 total fatalities. He clarified that while 36 died at the scene, one individual later succumbed to their injuries at the Giada Military Hospital.
  • The Victims: Hon. Nyarsuk confirmed the civilian death toll included four women, one of whom was pregnant, describing the assault as a grave violation of international law.

Security Shift in Akobo: SSPDF’s Assurance to NGOs

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JUBA/AKOBO — The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) has officially announced its full military control over Akobo town in Jonglei State. This follows a highly controversial and rapid offensive.
The military leadership has reversed its policy this week. They have given explicit directions. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and all Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) must resume their humanitarian operations in the area immediately.


The “All-Clear” Directive
The announcement was delivered by SSPDF Spokesperson Major General Lul Ruai Koang. This represents a rapid shift from the military’s posture just days prior. At that time, the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) had ordered the evacuation of civilians. He also mandated the closure of UNMISS facilities in the vicinity.

Security Assurances: Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai provided “firm assurances” about stabilizing the security situation in Akobo town. He stated that the SSPDF has successfully neutralized opposition elements. Additionally, they have secured the perimeter.

Call for Humanitarian Return: The military is actively urging all humanitarian partners to return to their bases. This is to resume the “vital work of delivering essential services” to the local community. The recent hostilities have severely disrupted these services.


The Context of the Offensive
The capture of Akobo represents a significant shift in the territorial control of northern Jonglei State.

Overruled Appeals: The offensive proceeded despite a massive, unified appeal. This appeal was issued on March 7 by Civil Society Networks across all 10 States and 3 Administrative Areas. They begged President Salva Kiir Mayardit to halt the CDF’s orders to expand the war into Akobo.

Humanitarian Dilemma: NGOs and UNMISS now face a complex operational reality. Returning to Akobo means operating under the direct security umbrella of the SSPDF in a town that, until very recently, served as a primary refuge for civilians fleeing military operations in neighboring Uror, Ayod, and Nyirol counties.