Clashes in the northeast of South Sudan kill at least 20 people

At least 20 people have been killed in the town of Mathiang, located in South Sudan’s northeastern Upper Nile state, after fierce fighting broke out between government forces, opposition fighters, and a militia, local media reported on Tuesday, citing military officials.

Clashes erupted early Monday in Mathiang when Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) fighters and White Army militia attacked South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) positions, a senior army official told local Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday.

The fighting lasted around three hours and resulted in the deaths of four SSPDF soldiers and 16 SPLA-IO fighters, Maj. Gen. Khor Chuol Giet told the broadcaster.

“We found 16 of their bodies in trenches, but there could be more,” he added.

Tensions