20 UPDF Killed And 10 Wounded In Yei River Clash Against NAS

http://www.annews24.tk/2019/02/20-updf-killed-and-10-wounded-in-yei.html

February 23, 2019( Annews24.com) -It has been raining down in lethal temperature on hired mercenaries fighting alongside Salva Kiir’s forces in Yei River. Ground sources intimated that at least 20 of the mercenaries got killed and 10 have been wounded during the three weeks sporadic fighting with NAS forces. No fatalities have been reported on the side of Salva Kiir’s soldiers since they tactically chose back-up position, leaving the paid fighters to do the main job at the forefront.  https://www.annews24.com/2019/02/18/video-two-suicide-blasts-rock-syrias-idlib-killing-atleast-15/

During the operation, the UPDFs who have scanty knowledge of the terrain of Western and Central Equatoria, out of fear, indiscriminately pounded the forests and civilian settlements with mortars and heavy artilleries killing about dozen civilians, mostly women and children, A NAS commander who spoke to this revolutionary reporter on a condition of anonymity, described the activities of the mercenaries as an act of cowardice and complete lack of fighting skills.

“…they bombed the forests and civilian settlements but they never came after us.”
“Only cowards do such things. They are untrained soldiers,” the commander ridicules, warning the mercenaries of consequences if they don’t keep away from conflict that’s not theirs.
“…the truth is, we are fighting for a cause. What cause are they fighting for?”
“We are ready to teach them more lessons if they don’t want to back off” he said. Being hired to fight in South Sudan or Somalia is a lucrative venture for UPDF. Most of them often scramble to get their names listed for deployment. Senior commanders often give priorities to their friends and those who could offer them bribes.

Those contracted in foreign land can construct permanent houses with their 9 months salaries and sponsor children in better schools, buy car or start businesses. The base monthly salary of UPDF mercenary is US $4,000, whereas a private SSPDF only earns about $200 per month. Sporadic fighting between NAS and regime’s forces/mercenaries are still said to be on going in a number of military positions around the Congo, Kinshasa and Uganda border.

According to the United Nations report, the fighting has forced over 5,000 to seek for refuge into the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Those who couldn’t make it to Congo preferred to get protection from the rebels instead of the Government.
Refugees who escaped the conflict zone have settled in the remote vicinity of Ingbokulu region, northeast of Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The remoteness of the settlement is said to be impeding the delivery of humanitarian services to them.
In an apparent move to cover up the atrocities of the regime, South Sudan information Minister, Michael Makuei appealed to all media outlets in the country to disseminate message of peace instead of focusing on the ongoing situation.

A dead Soldier

Some timid and pusillanimous media houses have accordingly, bent low to the threat and have started avoiding stories about the ongoing hostilities. However, the Bishop of Yei Catholic Diocese, Erkolano Lodu Tombe, contrary to Makuei’s demand to sweep the truth under carpet and dispense lies, boldly stood his ground and reaffirmed that there is no sign of tranquility in Yei River and blames Salva Kiir’s regime for having a finger in the pie.

Nicholas Osobi
Revolutionary Columnist,
Email: Annews24.com@gmail.com