The SSPDF Division 11 Commander, Maj. Gen. Jima Rehan Deng, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to armed youth in Twic County, Warrap State, to return five weapons stolen from security forces in Turalei on February 15, 2025.
The South Sudan People's Defense Forces (SSPDF) commander
warns that failure to comply could result in military action.
“The weapons taken by
the armed youth, including the two BKM (Belarussian Kalashnikov Modernized) rifles, must be returned immediately.
This order is effective today and will remain in place for seven days. Anyone
who does not comply with this order will face consequences for their refusal,”
Gen. Deng stated.
In response to the general's order, Deng Beny, leader of the
armed youth from Akoc Payam, agreed to return the stolen weapons within a day
but also demanded the return of 48 weapons that had been seized from the armed
youth by SSPDF soldiers in Aneet.
“The issue of our guns being forcefully taken by government
soldiers in Ayuok has made us very unhappy. General Jima, I urge you to
investigate this matter. If our guns are returned to us, we will bring back the
weapons taken by the armed youth as early as tonight,” Beny said.
This appeal follows a recent incident in which armed youth
overran Turalei town, resulting in two deaths and injuries to two others during
a confrontation with the police.