At Least 26 Killed in Attack on Military Barracks in Northwestern South Sudan

At least 26 people were killed and eight wounded when armed youths attacked a South Sudanese military barracks in Acong-cong, Warrap state, on Saturday morning, according to officials cited by EFE.

The attack took place at about 5 a.m. local time against a barracks belonging to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces. Warrap Governor Bol Wek Agoth said the dead included 10 soldiers, six police officers and four civilians, among them an 11-year-old child. Six attackers also died.

“It was a tragic incident,” Agoth said. Authorities have opened an investigation to determine what triggered the violence and identify those involved. The state government declared a state of emergency and sent security forces to restore calm and prevent further violence.

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It was a tragic incident.

“We ask the national government to send more forces to help calm the situation and assist in arresting those responsible so they can be brought to justice as soon as possible,” Agoth said. Authorities have not disclosed the attackers’ identities or affiliations.

Warrap, in northwestern South Sudan, has repeatedly experienced armed violence, including clashes involving local armed youths, security forces and rival communities. The latest attack came as state authorities work to contain insecurity, just four months before the first elections in the world’s youngest country.

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We ask the national government to send more forces to help calm the situation and assist in arresting those responsible so they can be brought to justice as soon as possible.