Heavy clashes in Juba, leave four killed and two injured: SSPDF

By Awan Achiek

At least four people were killed and two injured in the Thursday night shootings in Juba at the residence of Akol Koor Kuc, former Director General of the Internal Security Bureau of the National Security Services (NSS).

Maj. Gen Lul Ruai Koang, SSPDF spokesman confirmed that two servicemen and two civilians were killed during the sporadic shootings which lasted for four hours.

“We have lost two servicemen, one was from the security force that was inside the compound and the other one was outside of the fence,” Koang told journalists during Friday’s press conference in Juba.

Koang disclosed that two civilians were crushed to death by armored personnel carriers of which one was a student of the University of Juba and a lawyer whom he did not disclose their names.

He also said that two civilians were shot and wounded in the crossfire.

“We were able to retrieve the dead, take them to the mortuary and the wounded to the hospital. So as we speak it is back to business as usual,” Koang said.

Koang also said that Gen. Akol Koor, has been relocated from Tongpiny to his residence in Jebel, adding that this came following Friday’s meeting convened by President Salva Kiir Mayardit with top security officials on Friday.

He said Gen. Koor has been relocated together with his wife, one bodyguard, a cook and a senior officer overseeing his protection and additional forces.

Koang said the gunfire which occurred was not planned and it was not ordered  at the highest level in the country.

In October, Gen. Akol Koor Kuc, the most powerful and long-serving head of  National Security Services (NSS) was relieved from his position by President Salva Kiir Mayardit and made governor of the president’s home state of Warrup, where insecurity is rife and before his decree was revoked.

Two weeks ago, his movements were restricted by the top leadership and placed under house confinement.