SPLA: Four killed and 35 captured in fight with rebels
The SPLA says rebel forces lead by General Gatluak Gai have attacked Tor-Abieth SPLA barracks in Unity State, seriously wounding three soldiers. There are also unconfirmed reports of civilian casualties. In a response-operation the SPLA says it killed four of Gai\'s soldiers and captured 35.
\"We will make sure our people are protected so people can vote in peace.\"
General Gatdet Nyakuay, who heads the SPLA division in Unity State, confirmed the incident and said the SPLA must protect its citizens during referendum saying, \"we will make sure our people are protected so people can vote in peace.\"
Gatluak Gai, formerly an SPLA soldier General, took arms against the Southern government after the general election results announcement last year. He now appears to be trying to cause disruptions ahead of the referendum vote starting January 9, 2011.
Click here for more background information about General Gatluak Gai by the Smallarmssurvey and the Enoughproject
Previously Unity State Governor Lt. General Taban Deng Gai accused the Khartoum government of providing groups with weapons to disrupt referendum voting in the South, in particular in Unity State. Deng said, NCP gave fifty-seven heavy artilleries to Gatluak Gai forces to attack our communities in Unity State, and indeed they did it yesterday in attacking their forces at Tor-Abieth”.
