Deadly Ruweng Attack in South Sudan Kills Civilians and Soldiers as UN Shelters Hundreds
A deadly attack in South Sudan’s Ruweng Administrative Area has left at least 169 people dead, including civilians and government soldiers, according to local officials.
The violence erupted on Sunday in Abiemnhom County, when dozens of armed youths from Mayom County in neighboring Unity State stormed the town and launched a large-scale assault.
Civilians and Soldiers Among the Dead
James Monyluak Mijok, the information minister for the Ruweng Administrative Area, confirmed the devastating toll while speaking to international media.
According to officials, 90 civilians – including women, children, and elderly residents – were killed, along with 79 government soldiers during the attack.
Another 50 people suffered serious and minor injuries, highlighting the scale of the violence.
“I would like to sadly inform you that among those killed included the county commissioner and the executive director,” Mijok said.
Mass Burial After the Attack
Authorities confirmed that all 169 victims were buried in a mass grave on Monday.
Elizabeth Achol, the region’s health minister, said the bodies were laid to rest after emergency recovery efforts. Officials warned that the death toll could still rise if more victims are discovered.
Local authorities said the fighting lasted for three to four hours before government troops managed to drive the attackers out of the town and regain control of the area.
Officials Condemn “Barbaric” Violence
The Government of the Ruweng Administrative Area (GRAA) strongly condemned the attack, calling it an act of extreme brutality.
Officials described the killings as a “human slaughter equivalent to genocide” and urged authorities in Unity State to identify and prosecute those responsible.
UN Peacekeepers Shelter Civilians
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) expressed deep concern over the rapidly escalating violence in Abiemnhom.
In a statement, the mission said peacekeepers are currently sheltering more than 1,000 civilians inside a UN base in the area.
UNMISS also confirmed that at least 23 people were injured during the recent clashes and that emergency medical care is being provided to those affected.
The latest violence underscores the fragile security situation in South Sudan, where local conflicts and armed attacks continue to threaten civilians and regional stability.
Source: Al Jazeera