Currently, 987 SPLA government soldiers are being treated in Juba Military hospital in the capitol of South Sudan, according to Vice President Wani Igga.
The news comes after a day of reports that a 25,000-strong Nuer tribal youth army loyal to Riek Machar had been marching towards the capital city, Juba, in the capitol of South Sudan and reports that the forces had ambitions to attack Bor city.
Bor is the capital of South Sudan’s Jonglei province. Bor was captured by the rebels on December 18. The rebels were not able to hold the city when the government army attacked and soon left without much resistance. Philip Aguer, army spokesperson, had earlier Saturday stated that the rebels were preparing for a fresh offensive to retake the city of Bor.
Jonglei officials have appealed to humanitarian organizations to provide food to Bor residents after the Bor market was devastated by fighting.
The SPLA army announced that it has initiated a force to recapture the rebel-held capital of Unity State, Bentiu.
The government also announced that it has agreed to release to the rebel forces; 11 political prisoners, up from its previous offer of 8, which offer was declined by Machar.
The 987 wounded government troops are being treated at the Juba military hospital, South Sudan.
By Day Blakely Donaldson
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